Rafael Unveils Drone Defense for Iron Dome Batteries

Hezbollah has claimed in recent months that it fired explosive drones at Iron Dome batteries, and online videos have shown fiber optic drones hitting launchers. Against that backdrop, Rafael says it is introducing a new defense layer for ground forces and air defense assets against drones and loitering munitions, including fiber optic drones that are resistant to ordinary electronic warfare jamming.

The new system is called Iron Wasp, or "Steel Wasp," and it is based on an interception drone developed by Israeli company SpearUAV. Rafael says the system can launch immediately because it is compact and resource efficient, can operate on the move without advance preparation, and uses advanced radar to handle fast targets with a low signature. It is designed to integrate with existing systems without adding operational complexity for troops in the field.

The interceptor is fired from a small multi-tube launcher mounted directly on an armored combat vehicle, and it can be combined with sensors and other equipment depending on operational needs. Rafael also disclosed that a third Israeli defense company is involved in the project. In the material it released, the system is shown installed on Plasan’s SandCat 5, built at Kibbutz Sasa in northern Israel, though Rafael says it can be fitted to other armored vehicles as well.

Iron Wasp joins a broader set of ground-defense systems, including the SAMSON machine gun station, the electronic jamming system Drone-Dome, the Trophy active protection system, and laser systems. Rafael’s senior vice president and head of its Land and Naval Systems division, Zvi Marmur, said the company’s strength has always been combining precise technologies into one defense array, and that Iron Wasp adds a needed organic air-interception capability. SpearUAV CEO Yiftach Kleinman said the partnership advances the idea of an "organic air force" for maneuvering forces. SpearUAV, founded in 2017, has already sold drone systems in Israel and abroad, was the first to develop a drone launch capability from submarines while submerged, and was acquired by Israeli company UVision in 2025.