Rafael demonstrates Protector USV to NATO
Rafael Advance Defense Systems has demonstrated the capabilities of the Protector USV against naval swarm threats for NATO forces.
The demonstration, which included a simulated firing of Spike missiles to neutralise threats, took place off the Israeli coast.
During the exercise, a NATO ship spotted a swarm attack - hostile vessels advancing toward it - and reported back to headquarters. The Protector USV was then deployed to identify the threat at long distance, and ordered to 'fire' the Spike missile.
Protector's ability to fire the Spike missile allows pin-point attack of land or naval targets, enabling safe vessel operation, with no risk to the operating force, from a remote command and control room or from aboard other naval platforms.
Protector's suite of mission components includes four mission modules. The modules include force protection and anti-terror, by employing a stabilised weapon station – Mini-Typhoon, a water cannon, non-lethal means; EW systems for protection and escort of naval vessels; mine counter-measures; Toplite EO long-range detection and tracking systems; and Rafael's Spike missiles, all remotely-operated.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
