Last night (November 11, 2026), Rafael unveiled the advanced SUPER ICE cruise missile, which carries a 454-kilogram warhead. The company describes it as “the ideal solution for stand-off strikes and the destruction of high-value targets.” It is a highly accurate, advanced, and technologically unique system, with significant destructive capability.
What distinguishes a cruise missile from a ballistic missile? A ballistic missile is propelled into space by a rocket engine and follows a predetermined ballistic trajectory governed by the laws of classical physics. A cruise missile, by contrast, flies along a horizontal path and can maneuver along a variable, often winding route, with numerous degrees of freedom within its flight envelope.
In principle, a ballistic missile is easier to intercept than a cruise missile. Its trajectory from launch to impact, or to an interception point, can be calculated in advance. This makes it possible to launch interceptors, such as the "Iron Dome" or "Arrow" systems, to strike and intercept the missile along its fixed trajectory. A cruise missile, by contrast, follows a changing route.
In addition, its ability to maneuver, fly at high speed, and navigate toward its target at low altitude using sophisticated sensor systems makes a cruise missile harder to intercept. It can match a reference image to the terrain or use satellite communications, while closely following complex topographical features. This makes it harder not only to intercept, but also to detect early by radar.
These features make Rafael’s cruise missile an effective weapon against high-value targets and vital enemy infrastructure. The ICE and SUPER ICE missiles are fast, precision cruise missiles that can be launched at long range from ground, air, or naval platforms, far outside danger zones saturated with anti-aircraft missiles. Their navigation capabilities enable autonomous flight in all weather conditions, and they home in on their targets using electro-optical systems.
In sum, this is an innovative, world-class, and unique weapon system that grants the State of Israel considerable operational flexibility in executing long-range precision strikes against infrastructure that poses a threat to state.
Last night (November 11, 2026), Rafael unveiled the advanced SUPER ICE cruise missile, which carries a 454-kilogram warhead. The company describes it as “the ideal solution for stand-off strikes and the destruction of high-value targets.” It is a highly accurate, advanced, and technologically unique system, with significant destructive capability.
What distinguishes a cruise missile from a ballistic missile? A ballistic missile is propelled into space by a rocket engine and follows a predetermined ballistic trajectory governed by the laws of classical physics. A cruise missile, by contrast, flies along a horizontal path and can maneuver along a variable, often winding route, with numerous degrees of freedom within its flight envelope.
In principle, a ballistic missile is easier to intercept than a cruise missile. Its trajectory from launch to impact, or to an interception point, can be calculated in advance. This makes it possible to launch interceptors, such as the "Iron Dome" or "Arrow" systems, to strike and intercept the missile along its fixed trajectory. A cruise missile, by contrast, follows a changing route.
In addition, its ability to maneuver, fly at high speed, and navigate toward its target at low altitude using sophisticated sensor systems makes a cruise missile harder to intercept. It can match a reference image to the terrain or use satellite communications, while closely following complex topographical features. This makes it harder not only to intercept, but also to detect early by radar.
These features make Rafael’s cruise missile an effective weapon against high-value targets and vital enemy infrastructure. The ICE and SUPER ICE missiles are fast, precision cruise missiles that can be launched at long range from ground, air, or naval platforms, far outside danger zones saturated with anti-aircraft missiles. Their navigation capabilities enable autonomous flight in all weather conditions, and they home in on their targets using electro-optical systems.
In sum, this is an innovative, world-class, and unique weapon system that grants the State of Israel considerable operational flexibility in executing long-range precision strikes against infrastructure that poses a threat to state.