RAFAEL: The IDF orders FireFly drones

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has placed an order for the SPIKE FireFly (known as "MAOZ" in the IDF) Loitering Munition from RAFAEL. Developed jointly by RAFAEL and the IMOD, the FireFly weighs only 3 kg and provides dismounted soldiers with the ability to conduct precision strikes from cover.

FireFly has been ordered for the ground troops of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and developed for urban combat situations where the battlefield is cluttered, the enemy is hiding behind cover, and precision is crucial.

FireFly is operational in seconds. The drone is portable and has a robust airframe to withstand the harsh urban combat environment. Designed for use by a single operator, it is lightweight, small, and agile.

FireFly features dual sensors, target tracking, homing algorithms, computer vision, safe & arm mechanisms, and a robust Human Machine Interface (HMI - see image above) for a tablet. Operating the FireFly is intuitive, requiring no special skills. The drone ensures combat superiority and has a lethal effect on stationary and moving targets, with or without a direct line of sight to the operator.

FireFly has an abort/wave-off capability and guarantees full, safe return to the operator until the next attack command. It can be used during day and night, has a reduced visual and acoustic signature.

Ran Gozali, EVP & Head of Land and Naval Division at RAFAEL: "We are very proud of this contract, and we believe that the procurement of the FIREFLY by the IDF will dramatically revolutionize infantry doctrines in close combat in urban areas, allowing simple fighters beyond the line of sight to conduct precise operations. This will give IDF soldiers a tactical advantage in close combat. We see the FireFly as a building block for future operational capabilities in a variety of combat fields." HERE is the video from RAFAEL showing the FireFly in action.

RAFAEL on the web: www.rafael.co.il