The Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems revealed a long-range cruise missile that can be launched from the air, ground and sea on Wednesday, dubbed SUPER ICE.
The company declined to share details about the missile's clients or price. Its senior officials made clear, however, that the weapon is designed to meet complex operational needs, "while engaging targets of strategic importance in challenging environments and at long operating ranges."
According to Rafael, SUPER ICE builds on the technological breakthroughs of the ICE BREAKER cruise missile. It carries a high-powered warhead weighing 1,000 pounds, compatible with the MK83 (a US-made aerial bomb). The missile supports multiple launch platforms – air, ground and sea – and offers maximum operational flexibility.
SUPER ICE features resilient autonomous navigation, low-altitude terrain-following flight and all-weather operation. An advanced electro-optical homing system, built on high-precision image-matching technology, gives it high strike accuracy against a range of targets. The missile also has a stand-off strike capability (attacking from a distance), drawing on operationally proven technologies Rafael developed for various systems, and in particular for the ICE BREAKER family of missiles.
SUPER ICE joins the ICE BREAKER and SEA BREAKER missiles, which Rafael developed and manufactures. The ICE BREAKER is an advanced fifth-generation cruise missile distinguished by its long range and exceptionally high accuracy. According to the company, it serves "many customers around the world."
Rafael said SUPER ICE, as part of the same family, "represents an expansion of stand-off strike capabilities and enables a more powerful strike, with full compatibility across the launch systems, mission planning and logistics of all missiles in the family."
Rafael added that "the launch of the ICE BREAKER family marks the expansion of Rafael's capabilities in the field of cruise missiles, drawing on its longstanding reputation, proven technological infrastructure and extensive accumulated experience in developing advanced systems."
Video: The IAF attacks Iran during the recent war / IDF
Rafael Chairman Prof. Yuval Steinitz said, "This is the best cruise missile of its kind in the world. It is the ideal solution for delivering stand-off fire and destroying high-value targets, including air defense systems, from long range."
Steinitz added that SUPER ICE, which Rafael is now unveiling to the world, continues the illustrious tradition that began decades ago with the introduction of the Popeye missiles (Rafael's air-to-surface weapons) and reflects the engineering excellence, innovation and long-term thinking that underpin the company's work.
He said, "Through the development and manufacturing of advanced technologies in Israel, we continue to expand the boundaries of knowledge and capability, and we are strengthening Rafael's standing as the birthplace of cruise missiles in Israel and a global leader in the field."
Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman said SUPER ICE "represents the most advanced generation of Rafael-made cruise missiles and combines advanced capabilities designed to meet the most complex multi-service operational requirements of our various customers. We will continue to develop and lead advanced technological capabilities based on operational experience, innovation and a deep understanding of changing combat needs."
