IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise
The Spyder AiO air defence system is the newest version of Spyder from Rafael. (Photo: Rafael)
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
Israel’s Rafael is at the forefront of the country’s missile defence system as prime on Iron Dome and also on systems such as Iron Beam air-defence laser and its variants.
It also manufactures David’s Sling which is the intermediate layer in Israel's multi-tiered missile defence architecture which fits between Iron Dome shorter-range and long-range Arrow systems.
Company president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman told Shephard that hundreds of staff had been called into uniform as part of a response to the attack.
He said other employees and their families had stepped up to help ensure development and production hit even higher
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from IDEX 2025 | View all news
-
![IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements]()
IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements
Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo.
-
![IDEX 2025: UAE’s Edge Group notches up $2.9 billion and two dozen agreements]()
IDEX 2025: UAE’s Edge Group notches up $2.9 billion and two dozen agreements
The company cashed on its home ground advantage in Abu Dhabi last week with the launch of 46 products and solutions, while exhibiting a total of 218 items on its 9,000m2 stand, on which its range of subsidiaries were promoted and 16 contracts were signed.
-
![IDEX 2025: Aselsan plans further electro-optic systems’ flight tests for 2025]()
IDEX 2025: Aselsan plans further electro-optic systems’ flight tests for 2025
Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol confirmed that the tests for its TOYGUN and KARAT products would take place on a UAV platform as efforts continue to progress its “challenging” technology roadmap into 2025 and 2026.
-
![IDEX 2025: Hanwha looks to a proven template as it plans further international expansion]()
IDEX 2025: Hanwha looks to a proven template as it plans further international expansion
Hanwha Aerospace global defense CEO Michael Coulter was appointed to the seat just over two months ago. He sat down with Shephard at last week’s IDEX 2025 to outline his vision for how the company is looking to grow its footprint in the US and Europe.
-
![NAVDEX 2025: First of UAE Navy’s four Falaj-3 OPVs commissioned]()
NAVDEX 2025: First of UAE Navy’s four Falaj-3 OPVs commissioned
The vessels were first discussed a full ten years before the commissioning ceremony, and three more are due within the next three years.
-
![IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT]()
IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT
One of the few main battle tanks (MBT) displayed at IDEX 2025 was the latest Hyundai Rotem K2 MBT from South Korea, which has already secured its first export contract with Poland, with initial units delivered.
