Rafael Unveils Aircraft-Mounted Sky-Shield Electronic Attack Pods on F-15 Fighter Jets

Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd unveiled that it has completed the development of the latest generation of the Sky Shield family of Electronic Attack (EA) Pods for “Unknown Customer” on F-15 Fighter jets. It is not clear though if it is the same aircraft that carried EA pods. The EA pod is now undergoing extensive flight trials on a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft for an undisclosed customer and will soon provide unprecedented capabilities, enabling penetration of potential adversary’s Anti Area Access denial (A2/AD) Integrated Air Defense Systems.

The Sky Shield support jammer pod for fighter aircraft provides an all-inclusive multi-purpose support jamming system. The Sky Shield POD covers radars spectrum range from D band to KU Band and includes a digital interferometer system for signal detection, a DRFM based technique generator, and a modular solid-state steering array transmitters (ESAT) for jamming. Rafael is currently working on Sky-Shield in two weight configurations: 350 kg and 700 kg. The company has not stated if the new next-generation Sky-Shield Electronic Attack [EA] Pod will be supplied in one of the two configurations or will be a whole new solution.

The system creates a safe corridor for multiple attacking aircraft, increasing aircraft survivability in time and attack options. The system was purchased by the Brazilian Air Force in 2006 for its AMX type fighter aircraft and will be integrated by the Brazilian aerospace Embraer company. Rafael had pitched a weapon and sensor package, including the Sky-Shield, for India’s Tejas fighter jet, but the Indian side has not commented on this yet.

Israel’s famous air defense system Iron Dome has also been manufactured by Rafael. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is an Israeli defense technology company. It was founded as Israel’s National R&D Defense Laboratory for the development of weapons and military technology within the Israeli Ministry of Defense; in 2002 it was incorporated as a limited company. On October 14, 2007, the company changed its name from Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Rafael develops and produces weapons, military, and defense technologies for the Israel Defense Forces and export abroad. All current projects are classified.