Air and missile defence: Rafael presents combat-proven systems and counter-UAS solutions for European requirements
AI Analysis
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is marketing its integrated, multi-layered air and missile defense systems, including counter-UAS capabilities, to European customers at Eurosatory 2026. The company emphasizes a layered defense approach utilizing systems like IRON DOME, DAVID’S SLING, and directed-energy solutions (IRON BEAM family) to address evolving threats including drones and stand-off weapons. Rafael highlights the importance of cost-effective, adaptable, and integrated systems for reliable threat interception.
Key Takeaways
- Rafael is promoting a layered air defense architecture for European markets, responding to increased UAS threats and large-scale land operation concerns.
- IRON DOME boasts over 10,000 combat interceptions with a >90% success rate, demonstrating proven effectiveness.
- DAVID’S SLING provides upper-tier defense against rockets, cruise missiles, ballistic threats, and UAVs.
- Rafael is actively developing and showcasing directed-energy weapons (IRON BEAM, IRON BEAM-M, LITE BEAM) for countering mass drone attacks.
- The company stresses the need for integrated systems providing a comprehensive operational picture for commanders.
Why It Matters
The increasing proliferation of drones necessitates robust and adaptable counter-UAS solutions. Rafael’s emphasis on layered defense and directed-energy weapons signals a shift towards more sophisticated and scalable defense strategies, potentially influencing procurement decisions across Europe. This also highlights the growing importance of integrating C-UAS capabilities into broader air defense networks.
Air and missile defence: Rafael presents combat-proven systems and counter-UAS solutions for European requirements
Air and missile defence: Rafael presents combat-proven systems and counter-UAS solutions for European requirements
By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)
Air| June 15, 2026
Photo: Rafael.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is presenting air defence and counter-UAS capabilities at Eurosatory 2026. The Israeli company says its display is based on an integrated, multilayered approach developed in response to changing operational requirements facing land forces.
Rafael says the security environment in Europe has shifted because of the spread of unmanned aerial systems, longer-range stand-off threats and the renewed importance of large-scale land operations. The company says layered air defence and platform survivability have become foundational requirements for protecting manoeuvring forces, critical infrastructure and population centres.
The company says effective protection depends on integrating multiple complementary layers rather than relying on a single system. Rafael’s Eurosatory presentation is built around that principle, from strategic air defence down to individual platform protection.
“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,” said Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael. “Real-world experience has shown that effective defense is a question of layers working together, whether it be integrated C-UAS on platforms or strategic air defense 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,” Tourgeman said. The company says this approach applies across close-in, short-range and medium-range interception.
In air defence, Rafael is presenting a layered architecture that includes IRON DOME and DAVID’S SLING. IRON DOME is described by the company as a multi-mission system that has conducted more than 10,000 combat interceptions over 15 years of operational service, with a success rate well above 90%.
DAVID’S SLING extends coverage into the upper tiers of layered defence. Rafael says the systems provide modular, interoperable protection against massive and saturated attacks involving rockets, cruise missiles, ballistic threats, unmanned aerial vehicles and other aerial threats.
The company says the systems can operate independently or as part of an integrated air defence network. Rafael is also highlighting high-energy laser interception as an increasingly important layer against mass aerial and drone threats.
Rafael’s directed-energy portfolio includes IRON BEAM, IRON BEAM-M and LITE BEAM. The company says these systems are based on adaptive optic technology and are intended to provide scalable laser solut