By: Arie Egozi
The accelerating threat of armed drones has driven militaries worldwide to seek more effective counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, as traditional defense systems have proven inadequate. Rafael, a leading Israeli defense firm, has launched a new directorate focused on advanced C-UAS development. It recently launched the Hunter Eagle interceptor drone to confront these evolving battlefield dangers, and its Ghost Hunter is coming soon.
Hunter Eagle: Agile Urban Interceptor
Rafael’s Hunter Eagle system is a compact, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone specifically engineered for counter-UAV engagements. Measuring between 0.4–0.5 meters in height and weighing 5–10 kg, Hunter Eagle operates without an explosive payload. It instead relies on advanced AI, electro-optical (EO) seekers for target acquisition, and electric motors for precise maneuvers.
This design ensures exceptional safety and minimizes collateral damage in densely populated or urban environments. The drone can also function independently or as part of a swarm, effectively neutralizing multiple drone threats. If a mission is aborted, the Hunter Eagly will autonomously return to its launch site. This enhances operational flexibility and asset recovery.
Hunter Eagle is a pivotal part of Rafael’s holistic C-UAS architecture. It seamlessly works alongside:
- The established Drone Dome detection and classification suite,
- The Lite Beam high-energy laser neutralizer and
- New kinetic effectors, including Hunter Eagle itself and the soon-to-debut Ghost Hunter.
The integration of AI-driven autonomous flight and swarm tactics positions Hunter Eagle to outpace rapidly advancing adversary drone technology.
Ghost Hunter: High-Speed Threat Neutralizer
Set for demonstration in 2026 and initial deliveries in 2027, the Ghost Hunter interceptor represents the next generation of kinetic drone defense. This platform is engineered for rapid, robust response to highly sophisticated UAV threats, supporting military forces against the most advanced battlefield challengers.
Larger and more powerful than Hunter Eagle, Ghost Hunter is equipped with turbojet engines, which generate interception speeds approximately double those of its sibling system. It features a radio frequency (RF) radar in the nose, a payload capacity significantly beyond Hunter Eagle, and weighs 50–60 kg at a length of 1.4–1.6 meters.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Air Defense
With the introduction of Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter, Rafael seeks to complement traditional counter-UAS operations of passive drone detection with the addition of true drone-versus-drone combat. These cutting-edge systems promise militaries a low-risk, scalable and effective response to the surging use of unmanned threats in modern warfare.