Eurosatory 2026: Rafael Showcases Integrated, Multilayered Approach to Air Defence, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems
AI Analysis
Rafael is showcasing an integrated, multi-layered C-UAS and air defense system at Eurosatory 2026, emphasizing affordability and adaptability to evolving threats. The system incorporates kinetic interceptors (Iron Dome, David's Sling) and increasingly, directed energy (high-energy laser) solutions. Rafael highlights the need for integrated systems, not single solutions, to effectively counter the proliferation of drones and other aerial threats.
Key Takeaways
- Rafael is presenting a layered air defense architecture encompassing close-in, short-range, and medium-range interception capabilities.
- Iron Dome boasts over 10,000 combat interceptions with a >90% success rate, demonstrating proven effectiveness.
- David's Sling extends coverage to upper tiers, providing broader protection against diverse threats including UAVs.
- High-energy laser technology, utilizing adaptive optics, is being integrated as a cost-effective solution against mass drone attacks.
- Rafael emphasizes the importance of integrated systems providing a coherent operational picture for commanders.
Why It Matters
The increasing prevalence of drones necessitates layered defense systems capable of handling saturation attacks. Rafael's approach, combining kinetic and directed energy solutions, offers a potentially scalable and adaptable solution for protecting critical infrastructure and maneuvering forces. The focus on affordability is crucial for wider adoption and deployment.
Eurosatory 2026: Rafael Showcases Integrated, Multilayered Approach to Air Defence, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems
Tri-Services
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
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Tri-Services
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
Eurosatory 2026: Rafael Showcases Integrated, Multilayered Approach to Air Defence, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems
June 15, 2026
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Tel Aviv: Israeli company Rafael is presenting in Eurosatory 2026, an integrated, multilayered approach to air defence, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) developed in direct response to the evolving operational realities facing land forces today.
Across Europe, the security environment has shifted decisively. The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, the growing reach and precision of stand-off threats, and the renewed prominence of large-scale land operations have moved layered air defence and platform survivability from specialised requirements to foundational ones.
Protecting manoeuvring forces, critical infrastructure, and population centres now depends not on any single system, but on how multiple complementary layers, from the strategic tier down to the individual platform, are integrated into a coherent and affordable whole. Rafael’s presentation at Eurosatory is built around this principle.
Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael, said, “The defining challenge of modern land warfare is no longer whether a threat can be intercepted, but whether it can be intercepted reliably, at the right rate and cost, and as part of an integrated picture that commanders can act on with confidence. Real-world experience has shown that effective defence is a question of layers working together, whether it be integrated C-UAS on platforms or strategic air defence systems. Rafael’s solutions are designed to deliver that integrated advantage across every layer, and to remain affordable and adaptable as the threat continues to evolve.”
In the air defence domain, Rafael will present its layered architecture spanning close-in, short-range, and medium-range interception. The company’s showcase highlights the short layer defence – IRON DOME, the multi-mission system that has conducted more than 10,000 combat interceptions over 15 years of operational service, with a success rate well over 90 percent, and DAVID’S SLING, extending coverage into the upper tiers of the layered defence.
Together these systems provide agile, modular, and interoperable protection against massive and saturated attacks from rockets, cruise missiles, ballistic threats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and additional aerial threats, capable of operating independently or as part of an integrated air defence network.
High-energy laser interception forms an increasingly integral layer of this architecture, offering a sustainable answer to the economics of mass aerial and drone threats; the systems are based on unique adaptive optic technology.
Rafael’s directed-energy portfolio comprises three members