Rafael Sells 1,000 Typhoon Naval Weapon Systems to 25 Navies Worldwide

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, known for producing the Iron Dome and Spike missiles, has reached a significant milestone with its Typhoon naval weapon system. The Israeli Navy recently received the 1,000th Typhoon system produced by Rafael. This remote-controlled, stabilized weapon system is designed for precise firing from ships even in rough seas and can be integrated with radar and optical sensors for target tracking. It is versatile enough to be installed on both large and small warships.

The Typhoon system, unveiled in 1997 and entering production in 2000, is used by 25 navies globally, including those of the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and India. In Israel, it is deployed on Super Dvora and Saar 6-class vessels, while the U.S. Navy uses it on destroyers. The system can engage small, fast-moving targets such as speedboats, drones, and UAVs, with configurations ranging from a 7.62mm machine gun in the Mini Typhoon to a 30mm cannon in the standard version.

The weapon system features high-capacity ammunition magazines for sustained combat, rapid switching between ammunition types, and automated functions to reduce operator workload and improve response times. Rafael estimates cumulative sales of the Typhoon system to be approaching one billion dollars, with ongoing demand driven by emerging threats from drones and UAVs.

In recent years, Rafael has expanded its maritime defense portfolio with products like the Sea Breaker cruise missile and naval defense shields for ships and submarines. Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman emphasized the growing importance of maritime security, stating that the Typhoon system is a critical component in providing precise, rapid, and layered defense for operational naval vessels, enhancing the freedom of action and superiority of naval forces in Israel and worldwide.