Sky Sting
| Sky Sting | |
|---|---|
 Sky Sting missile at Paris Air Show, 2023 | |
| Type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 170 kg (370 lb) est. |
| Length | 3.7 m (12 ft 2 in) est. |
| Diameter | 180 mm (7.1 in) est. |
| Warhead | HE |
Detonation mechanism | Proximity / impact fuze |
| Propellant | Three-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor |
Operational range | 250 km (160 mi; 130 nmi) est. |
| Maximum speed | Mach 5+[1] |
Guidance system | INS, two-way datalink, RF |
| References | Janes[2] |
Sky Sting, formerly known as Sky Spear, is a long-range, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by Rafael. It was unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2023.[2][3]
Description
The missile is powered by a three-pulse rocket motor, which allows it to engage targets at extreme ranges of up to 250km, surpassing similar missiles like the Meteor and PL-15.[4]
One of the missile's standout features is its advanced radio frequency (RF) seeker, outfitted with modern Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM). This ensures early and precise target acquisition even under heavy electromagnetic interference or in contested electronic warfare environments.[5]
Potential operators
- Indian Air Force: Rafael has offered the Sky Sting missile for use on Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and HAL Tejas Mk1As.[6]
- Israeli Air Force: Potential use on Israeli F-15s, F-16s and F-35Is.
- Hellenic Air Force: Potential use on Greek F-16Vs and F-35s.
See also
- List of munitions used by the Israeli Air Force
- Indian Air Force
- MBDA Meteor – (France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden)
- PL-15 – (China)
- AIM-120D – (United States)
- R-77M – (Russia)
- Astra Mk2 – (India)
References
- ↑ "India Eyes RAFAEL's 250 km "Sky Sting" Missile as Indo-Israeli Defence Alliance Strengthens Amid China-Pakistan Air Threats". Defence Security Asia. 2025-10-14. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- 1 2 Janes (13 January 2025), "Sky Sting", Janes Weapons: Air Launched, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 30 June 2025
- ↑ Frantzman, Seth J. (2023-06-21). "Rafael announces new, 6th Gen air-to-air missile 'Sky Spear'". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ↑ "Israel's Rafael Offers 'Sky Sting' 6th Gen LR Air-To-Air Missile To India, To Counter Pak's China-Supplied Air-To-Air Missiles". Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ↑ "SKY STING™ 6th Generation Long-Range Missile". www.rafael.co.il. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ↑ "Israel Offers Cutting-Edge Sky Sting Missile To India: IAF Eyes 250-KM Strike Capability Against Regional Threats". indianmasterminds.com. Retrieved 2025-10-26.