Israel's 'Iron Wasp' Tube-Launched Anti-Drone Interceptor Debuts for Armored Vehicle Deployment
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and SpearUAV have jointly unveiled the Iron Wasp, a tube-launched counter-UAS interceptor built on the VIPER I platform. Designed to mount on armored vehicles with minimal modification, the system uses an open architecture supporting various sensors and warheads, and combines radar guidance with autonomous terminal guidance for frontline hard-kill drone interception.
Highlights
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and SpearUAV jointly unveiled the Iron Wasp tube-launched counter-UAS interceptor, built on the SpearUAV VIPER I platform.
- The Iron Wasp mounts on armored fighting vehicles via sealed launch tubes and requires no significant platform modifications, lowering integration barriers.
- The system uses dual-phase guidance: radar navigation in the initial flight phase, switching to autonomous terminal guidance for precise drone interception.
- An open architecture design allows flexible configuration of sensors, warheads, and mission payloads based on operational requirements.
- The Iron Wasp extends the VIPER product family into vehicle-mounted C-UAS missions, giving frontline armored units organic hard-kill anti-drone capability.
Israeli defense technology firms Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and SpearUAV have jointly unveiled their latest counter-UAS solution — the Iron Wasp — a tube-launched interceptor designed for frontline deployment on armored vehicles, enabling rapid engagement of hostile drone threats in complex battlefield environments.
Technical Foundation: Built on the VIPER I Interceptor
The Iron Wasp is reported to be developed on the basis of SpearUAV's VIPER I interceptor. It launches directly from sealed tubes fixed to combat vehicles, requiring no significant platform modifications — substantially lowering the integration barrier. The system features an open architecture, allowing flexible integration of different sensors, warheads, and mission payloads based on operational requirements.
Dual-Phase Guidance for Precision Interception
According to both companies, the Iron Wasp employs radar-guided navigation during the initial phase of flight, before switching to an autonomous terminal guidance system as it closes on the target to achieve precise engagement of enemy drones.
The two companies stated: "The system is designed to provide armored formations with a tactical-level, rapid-response hard-kill capability against UAV threats."
Tube Design Enables Multiple Ready Rounds
The tube-launch design allows a single vehicle to carry multiple interceptors simultaneously. The airframes remain protected inside the sealed launch tubes prior to deployment, extending storage life and improving battlefield reliability. The system is expected to be integrated across a variety of armored fighting vehicles, suited for high-threat, contested environments.
Expanding the VIPER Product Family
The Iron Wasp represents an extension of the existing VIPER series, broadening interceptor capability into vehicle-mounted counter-UAS (C-UAS) missions. It equips frontline units with an organic defensive capability to address the increasingly prevalent threat posed by adversarial drones.
Sources: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SpearUAV
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