Rafael unveils Hunter Eagle, a hit‑to‑kill interceptor for the low‑altitude drone fight

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled the Hunter Eagle, a compact kinetic interceptor specifically developed to combat the escalating threat of low-altitude drones on contemporary battlefields. This new system, showcased in its serial configuration at ILA Berlin 2026, expands Rafael's existing counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities.

Low-altitude drones, ranging from small quadcopters to larger platforms, have become a disruptive force in modern warfare. Their ability to fly undetected by radar and deliver payloads has compelled militaries to reassess their air defense strategies. The widespread availability of inexpensive drones has also strained traditional defense systems, creating a demand for interceptors that are both rapid and cost-effective.

In response to threats like those faced by IDF troops in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has utilized drones to inflict casualties, Israel's defense sector is prioritizing solutions. The Hunter Eagle is Rafael's answer, designed as a vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) drone. It operates using a pure hit-to-kill mechanism, meaning it destroys targets through kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead, thereby minimizing collateral damage, a crucial factor as engagements occur closer to populated areas.

The Hunter Eagle is engineered to intercept unmanned aerial systems from Group 1 to Group 3, encompassing a wide spectrum of drone threats. It can be deployed as a single unit or in coordinated swarms to address multiple targets simultaneously. The system integrates with Rafael's Drone Dome suite, enhancing the layered defense chain with a hardened kinetic capability.