Rafael and SpearUAV Unveil “Iron Wasp” Counter-Drone Interceptor at Eurosatory 2026
New platform-mounted interceptor extends layered air defense with on-the-move, autonomous engagement of low-signature aerial threats
Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems website
At Eurosatory 2026, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and SpearUAV introduced the Iron Wasp, an encapsulated UAS interceptor designed to give ground maneuvering forces an organic, on-the-move aerial interception capability.
Based on SpearUAV’s Viper I interceptor technology, Iron Wasp extends Rafael’s layered force protection architecture directly to the platform level. The system is launched from a compact Multi-Canister Launcher integrated onto armored vehicles, enabling rapid, autonomous interception of low-signature aerial threats without requiring pre-mission preparation.
The companies said the system addresses the rapidly evolving aerial threat landscape, where commercial drones, loitering munitions, and top-attack systems are increasingly challenging traditional force protection models. The shift is driving demand for distributed, multi-layered counter-UAS solutions that can operate in motion alongside maneuvering units.
Iron Wasp joins Rafael’s established ecosystem of force protection systems, including the Trophy Active Protection System, Drone Dome counter-UAS suite, SAMSON remote weapon stations, and Lite Beam directed-energy system. Together, these systems form a layered architecture spanning detection, soft-kill, and hard-kill engagement. Iron Wasp adds a dedicated platform-resident interception layer for aerial threats.
“Rafael’s strength has always been our ability to bring the right technologies together into a protection architecture that is greater than the sum of its parts,” said EVP Tzvi Marmor, Head of the Land & Naval Systems Division at Rafael. “Iron Wasp represents exactly the kind of innovation that strengthens this architecture.”
SpearUAV CEO Yiftach Kleinman said: “We are proud that, after an extensive process, SpearUAV is selected to be part of the family of systems that has saved and will save many lives all over the globe.”
Iron Wasp features a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) design and an open architecture intended for integration across a wide range of armored and tactical platforms, supporting flexible deployment in diverse operational environments.
Leading international UAS/drone event, UVID DroneTech 2026, returns to Israel this November for its 14th edition, bringing together global stakeholders for knowledge sharing and collaboration. For information and registration