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Summary
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel) has developed two kinetic drone interceptors — Hunter Eagle (current generation, VTOL) and Ghost Hunter (next generation, turbojet). Both are designed for military C-UAS without explosive payloads, relying on AI, EO seekers, and kinetic impact for drone neutralization. These are defense-grade systems targeted at military and high-security government procurement; not available for private critical infrastructure operators in the US.
Key Facts
- Manufacturer: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel
- Type: Technology — Kinetic drone interceptors (military-grade)
- Status: Hunter Eagle: pre-delivery demo expected 2026; Ghost Hunter initial deliveries 2027
- Target market: Military, government — not commercial/private infrastructure
Hunter Eagle
- Form factor: VTOL (vertical take-off and landing)
- Size: 0.4–0.5 m height; 5–10 kg weight
- Guidance: Advanced AI + electro-optical (EO) seeker for target acquisition
- Propulsion: Electric motors
- Payload: No explosive — kinetic impact only
- Status: Demonstration scheduled 2026; initial deliveries TBD
Hunter Eagle is designed as a low-cost, attritable interceptor for swarm defense. No explosive payload minimizes collateral damage and simplifies logistics.
Ghost Hunter
- Propulsion: Turbojet engines
- Speed: Approximately double Hunter Eagle’s interception speed
- Role: Next-generation, higher-speed intercept against faster targets
- Status: Initial deliveries 2027
Relevance to Critical Infrastructure
Rafael’s systems are military-grade and exported under ITAR/Israeli defense export controls. They are not directly procurable for private US infrastructure operators but represent the technology trajectory for kinetic C-UAS — including the key design choice of non-explosive payloads for reducing collateral damage near critical facilities.