Israel’s defense ministry has awarded Rafael a contract for the deliveries of its SPIKE FireFly loitering munition.
Also known as “MAOZ” in the Israel Defense Forces, the FireFly is jointly developed by Rafael and the defense ministry. It weighs only 3 kg and provides behind-cover precision attack capabilities for the dismounted soldier.
MAOZ is used by IDF ground forces, and is designed for fighting within the urban arena where situational awareness is limited, the enemy is behind cover, and precision is critical.
FireFly features a dual seeker, target tracker, homing algorithms, computer vision, safe & arm fusing mechanisms, and a tablet-based HMI (human machine interface).
The operation of FireFly requires no special skills and enables overmatch to break combat deadlock with or without line-of-sight to operator.
According to the company, the system has an abort/wave-off capability and returnability to the operator up to attack command. It can be operated day and night, and has a low visual and acoustic signature.
“We are very proud of this contract, and we believe the procurement of FireFlyby the IDF will dramatically revolutionize the infantry doctrines in urban close-combat, enabling precision engagement for the lower tactical echelons beyond-line-of-sight,” Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP & head of the land & naval division of Rafael, said.
“This will give IDF soldiers a tactical edge in close combat. We see the FireFly as a building block in future potential applications for a large variety of battle arenas.”
