Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on Wednesday unveiled SUPER ICE, a new long-range cruise missile that can be launched from air, ground, and sea platforms, designed to enable precision strikes on strategic targets even in complex operational environments while expanding the company’s standoff strike capabilities.
The new missile is equipped with a powerful 1,000-pound warhead—about 454 kilograms—equivalent to an MK83 bomb, and can operate in various weather conditions, fly at low altitude while tracking terrain contours, and navigate autonomously toward its target. According to Rafael, its advanced electro-optical homing system is based on image-matching technology, enabling precise strikes against a wide range of targets.
One of SUPER ICE’s key advantages is the ability to launch it from multiple platforms, including aircraft, ground launchers, and naval vessels. Rafael explains the missile was designed to be adaptable to a wide range of aerial platforms without requiring significant modifications to existing systems.
The missile joins Rafael’s cruise missile family, which includes ICE BREAKER and SEA BREAKER, and is based on technologies developed for them. According to the company, the combination of missiles will allow matching the type of munition to the operational target while using shared launch systems, mission planning, and logistical infrastructure—an approach that could reduce operational costs.
Rafael Chairman Prof. Yuval Steinitz described the new development as “the world’s best cruise missile of its kind,” emphasizing its ability to counter air defense systems as well. “A cruise missile that provides the ideal solution for creating standoff fire and destroying high-value targets, including air defense systems from long ranges,” he said.
Steinitz linked the missile’s unveiling to the company’s long tradition in precision munitions, which began with the development of the Popeye missiles. “The SUPER ICE that Rafael is now revealing to the world continues the glorious tradition that began decades ago with the introduction of the Popeye missiles, and expresses the engineering excellence, innovation, and long-term thinking that form the foundation of our work,” he said.
Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman addressed the development’s importance against the backdrop of operational experience the company has accumulated in recent years, explaining that the new missile is designed to meet growing global demand for long-range strike capabilities. “Rafael’s systems have played a critical role in combat in recent years and have proven their operational importance and ability to provide solutions to complex and changing challenges,” Tourgeman emphasized.