Rafael unveiled the Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter interceptor drones.

Two new UAVs at DSEI-2025

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has extensive experience in developing unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation systems for various purposes. It was recently used in the creation of new interceptor aircraft. The Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter systems differ in size, design, and performance, but are intended to address common missions. They are proposed for engaging small and light aerial targets, such as UAVs or precision-guided missiles. weapons the adversary.

Two premieres

First show of two dronesRafael's interceptors were scheduled to be unveiled in mid-June at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. However, the event's organizers canceled the exhibits of several Israeli companies. Consequently, the Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter premieres have been postponed to September, at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London.

At its booth, Rafael presented information about new projects, as well as mockups of future UAVs. The Hunter Eagle was displayed at full size, while the Ghost Hunter mockup was a quarter of the actual size.

Rafael reports that two projects are in the development stage. The key features and characteristics of the future UAVs have been determined, but the search for technical solutions and various nuances are still underway. Therefore, the company cannot yet disclose all the technical specifications of the products.

However, the mockups show that the two UAVs have different dimensions, design, and flight characteristics. They also differ in their combat capabilities. Apparently, the Hunter Eagle is intended for use against small UAVs, while the Ghost Gunter will engage larger, faster targets.

Hunter Eagle in flight – for now in graphic form

Work on the two projects is expected to be completed quickly. The completed Hunter Eagle UAV is expected to be completed and unveiled by the end of this year. Serial production could begin in 2026, subject to orders. The Ghost Hunter UAV, meanwhile, will be released approximately a year later. The fully operational UAV will be built by the end of 2026, with production launching in 2027.

Two interceptor drones will be launched internationally. Furthermore, their display at major exhibitions suggests that Rafael has already begun a marketing campaign and is seeking potential buyers. Whether they have succeeded in attracting the interest of future customers remains to be seen. However, the stated development completion timeline suggests that information on this matter will become available in the coming months.

Hunter Eagle

The Hunter Eagle is a compact vertical takeoff and landing UAV capable of pursuing and destroying aerial targets. The project incorporates a number of well-known technologies, as well as new developments. Specifically, it features an AI-based homing system.

The Okhotnik-Oryol features a cigar-shaped fuselage, attached to a slightly swept X-wing. The wingtips are designed as engine nacelles. The tapered tail of the fuselage is equipped with a distinctive landing gear.

The overall length (height at takeoff) of such a UAV does not exceed 450-500 mm. The wingspan is slightly smaller. The takeoff weight, when the project is completed, is expected to be no more than 8-10 kg. The combat load is unknown.

The UAV is fully electric. A sufficiently powerful battery is housed within the fuselage, powering four electric motors. This powertrain will allow vertical takeoff and landing, as well as horizontal flight. Maneuvering and transitioning between modes will be accomplished through differentiated engine thrust adjustments.

Life-size model at the exhibition

The Hunter Eagle UAV's flight characteristics, even approximate ones, are still unknown. The proposed design allows for a speed of no more than 150-200 km/h. Its flight range should not exceed 10-15 km. Perhaps Rafael will be able to achieve even better results.

The UAV will take off and fly to its target under remote control. Targeting will be accomplished using an optical-electronic head with artificial intelligence capabilities. If necessary, the interceptor drone will be able to return to base and land.

Apparently, the Okhotnik-Oryol will be equipped with a compact, lightweight high-explosive fragmentation warhead. A charge of hundreds of grams will be sufficient to destroy potential aerial targets.

Ghost Hunter

The "Ghost Hunter" project also developed an interceptor drone for use against certain aerial targets. However, this project relied on different technical solutions and components, significantly improving all key performance characteristics.

The Ghost Hunter's design differs from the Gunter Eagle's. It features a cylindrical fuselage and an X-shaped delta wing. Control surfaces are located on the trailing edges of the wings. Two turbojet engines are housed in side nacelles on the tail of the fuselage. Straight landing gear is used on the ends of the wings for takeoff and landing.

The overall length of the device is estimated at 1,5-1,6 meters. The wingspan will reach 1 meter. The takeoff weight will exceed 50 kg. These dimensions and weight indicate the possibility of using a warhead weighing several kilograms. Such a warhead will be able to destroy not only light and medium UAVs, but also larger and more robust targets, including airplanes and helicopters.

Promotional image of the Ghost Hunter UAV

The powerplant includes two turbojet engines of an unspecified model. They will provide a high thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling vertical takeoff and landing. The developers report that the Ghost Hunter will be approximately twice as fast in horizontal flight as the electric Hunter Eagle. However, the exact flight characteristics are not being disclosed and likely have not yet been determined.

The control systems of the two UAVs will be partially unified. Like the smaller interceptor, the Ghost Hunter will be able to take off and navigate to a target based on operator commands, after which it will switch to homing under the control of artificial intelligence. A radar seeker is proposed for this purpose.

The Ghost Hunter will be able to take off from small airstrips and intercept targets within a certain radius. If it fails to complete its combat mission, it can return to the launch pad to land and prepare for another mission.

Interception issues

The problem of countering enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, including light and small aircraft, has attracted increased attention in recent years. Various solutions have been proposed, one of which is specialized UAVs with interception capabilities. The Israeli company Rafael recently presented its approach to this problem.

The new Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter projects appear quite promising at this stage. They are based on several intriguing ideas that, in theory, could yield good results and create effective interception systems. However, for now, these are only general estimates based on published information. Whether Rafael will be able to fulfill all its plans remains unclear.

Model at the exhibition

Unlike other unmanned vehicle developers, Rafael is simultaneously developing two unified UAVs with different characteristics and combat capabilities. They can occupy different positions in the system. Defense They can complement each other and operate in conjunction with other anti-aircraft systems. The customer can purchase only one drone, whichever best suits their needs.

All the characteristics of the Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter are still unknown and perhaps not even defined. However, it is already clear that the achievable level of flight performance is consistent with the intended missions. The proposed optical and radar seekers, augmented by AI, are capable of targeting small targets. The payload is also consistent with typical targets.

At the same time, the potential of some solutions will only become clear after all the necessary testing has been completed. For example, the need for AI guidance and the benefits it can achieve raise questions. The idea of ​​equipping a medium-sized UAV with two turbojet engines also appears controversial. Furthermore, it's still unclear what performance these components and assemblies will provide, and whether their use will be justified.

Demonstration of ideas

Thus, at the major exhibition, Rafael presented not finished products for market launch, but rather demonstrators of ideas and technologies. Nevertheless, even in this form, two mockups and promotional information should attract the attention of potential customers.

The company is currently continuing development of two projects, which will result in the production of fully functional prototypes. Then, if the projects do not encounter any unforeseen difficulties, serial production may begin. The first of the two UAVs is expected to begin production as early as next year.

Comments

[Vladimir_2U]

Such interceptors are nothing new, especially only as demonstrators, but they are a trend nonetheless!

Unfortunately, the Russian Ministry of Defense doesn't see this trend; everything is anti-aircraft, and electronic warfare hasn't been exported for a long time; for the "small sky," it relies on the enthusiasm and donations of the Russian people.
In my opinion, with the necessary efficiency and amplification of lasers for the KOEP, such aviation drones do not pose a particular threat; their heads are very vulnerable to laser radiation.

[Viktor Sergeev]

So, how do you know what works and what doesn't? Electronic warfare works great, it takes out most UAVs, anti-aircraft guns work fine too, but interceptors are complete garbage right now, useless, so they're still in the experimental stage of development.

[rosomaha]

Come to Belgorod... see how they're transporting electronic warfare and anti-aircraft guns... experience it for yourself, so to speak... just feel the magnificence.
Electronic warfare doesn't work on drones running on fiber optics...it jams control frequencies that need to be learned, and that's the time it takes for the drone to reach the attack line, turn on auto-tracking, and that's it...it doesn't care about electronic warfare.
Anti-aircraft guns—we don't have remote-detonating shells for small anti-aircraft guns, and existing self-propelled anti-aircraft guns with their fire control systems don't reliably engage small drones. Our hope lies in the eyes of the fireteam's machine gunners, but their low altitude means drones fly at altitude, are visible, but can't be targeted with small arms fire. Only during the approach, when they dive, and then descend, can they be targeted. Consequently, the drone is missed and the target is attacked. Small interceptor drones, even though they're based on the FPV, can reach them at altitude as they approach, but there aren't many of them. The problem is that small drones have increased range and endurance, but their visibility is low, both for air defense radars and the naked eye. Air defenses see such drones at close range and can't hit them. And the cost of a SAM compared to a drone made of foam and plywood plays a role. New radars and optical-electronic devices are needed specifically for searching for FPV and small UAVs at long ranges and then guiding interceptor drones to them. This will be the first echelon, with the second echelon consisting of rifles—automated turrets with heavy machine guns—and the third echelon will consist of machine guns from the fire cover groups. Under current conditions, no defense can withstand a massive combined star strike. Control channels are insufficient, and not all targets will be detected. The question arises of how to destroy UAV crews—how to detect them in time and guarantee their destruction, and in such a way that the enemy cannot counter them with anything effective, and continues to lose crews and equipment en masse.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: Victor Sergeev

The electronic warfare system works great, it neutralizes most UAVs, and the anti-aircraft guns also work fine.

Have you heard anything about agrodrones? Apparently not.
And it seems like they haven't heard anything about the "wreckage" either...

[Dedok]

Anything about agrodrones? heard?

Yes, our guys are repairing downed and damaged vampires, because we don't have any of our own, or rather, for the Russian Ministry of Defense reports and parades, they exist... but in real life, no.

[cmax]

Quote: Victor Sergeev

So, how do you know what works and what doesn't? Electronic warfare works great, it takes out most UAVs, anti-aircraft guns work fine too, but interceptors are complete garbage right now, useless, so they're still in the experimental stage of development.

For us, everything is "nonsense" until others have it.

[severok1979]

All this is relevant and cool, but only until the cost of the interceptor drone exceeds the cost of the drone being intercepted—at which point the topic will once again reach another military-technological dead end. A Ghost Hunter with a turbojet engine is, in essence, no longer a disposable interceptor drone, but an extremely cheapened SAM with inherently reduced performance.

[Viktor Sergeev]

No big deal. Consider the UAV's flight speed, the interceptor's speed, the time it takes the interceptor to gain altitude, the rate at which it climbs, and the time it takes to catch up with the UAV while gaining altitude, given that you're only given 10 minutes, and that's considering that by the time the intercept begins, the UAV is already hundreds of meters from the interceptor's launch site. And add to that the need for UAV detection, target acquisition, and guidance.

[The popuas]

What about a surveillance drone? A hovering one... or an ambush for helicopters... that's a perfectly viable option.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: severok1979

All of this is relevant and cool, but only until the cost of an interceptor drone exceeds the cost of the drone being intercepted—and then the topic will once again reach another military-technological dead end.

There's such a thing as not even the cost, but the value of the protected object. And here the cost of an interceptor can significantly exceed the cost of the attacking weapon, and interception is necessary.
But I don’t think that FPV interceptors will be fundamentally more expensive than kamikaze drones.

[severok1979]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

There is such a thing as not even the cost, but the value of the covered object

For this purpose, the Air Force, air defense missile systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, radars, electronic warfare systems, etc. remain and will not disappear.
The problem is the low cost and mass production of drones, which either dramatically increases the density and intensity of strikes or vastly expands the range of targets attacked. Accordingly, FPV interceptors emerged as a symmetrical response. Now we're following the rapid evolution of FPV interceptors themselves—from a standard FPV drone (albeit faster and more maneuverable, but with a smaller warhead) to, for example, the same Ghost Hunter with a turbojet engine—a true SAM, albeit an extremely simplified one, albeit with deliberately reduced performance.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: severok1979

The same Ghost Hunter with a turbojet engine is already a real SAM, albeit an extremely simplified one, albeit with specially reduced characteristics.

They're not even close to SAMs, because their performance isn't understated; they're fundamentally and inherently lower, much lower. Furthermore, they allow air defense without expensive radars and electronic countermeasures, practically from a trench. And the targets are appropriate, like Geranium missiles, or even helicopters...
But here, a light interceptor is more important; it's effective against retros, agrodrones, and small reconnaissance wings, i.e., guaranteed more expensive targets. That is, it covers the lower skies of the LBS.

[Dedok]

There is such a thing as not even cost, but value of the covered object.

namely: 2022, Antonovsky Bridge, Khaimars...
What did they bring to protect him from them?
That's right, S-400...

[Viktor Sergeev]

It's reminiscent of a joke: flea repellent: you catch a flea and sprinkle it in its eyes. Or maybe just crush it? No, a repellent is more reliable. A UAV needs to find it, prepare an interceptor, and then target it. There's no autonomous guidance system, no speed, no range. The UAV flies at an altitude of hundreds of meters, at a speed of 150 kilometers, meaning it will cover 10 kilometers in 4 minutes. During this time, the operator needs to detect the target, and the interceptor needs to ascend to interception altitude. In reality, the interceptor, given its need to gain altitude, will fly slower than the target (in terms of horizontal speed). The interceptor's airtime is about 10 minutes, of which it can loiter for about 5 minutes after reaching altitude. How many of these are needed to continuously cover a target?
Rather, what is needed is a large loitering UAV with detection systems (radar, optics) and carrying a dozen interceptors.

[Dmitriy22]

I disagree with the critics; the idea is quite promising, at least for a smaller version (it looks more affordable). The only thing I'd add is a mortar launch using a small propellant charge and an autonomous optical/thermal guidance system. Kinetic target engagement with parachute descent could also be tried to increase reusability (Musk lands missiles, and here...)

[The popuas]

mortar launch using a small powder starting charge

and then the operator would have gotten hit...they take off from the ground quite well...

[cpls22]

It's time, when talking about intercepting a UAV, to clarify what parameters this UAV has.
The range of these targets is too wide now; it is impossible to create a universal means of interception for them.

[severok1979]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

It’s not even close to a SAM, because the characteristics are not underestimated, they are fundamentally and initially lower, and much lower.

So, externally it is built according to the SAM scheme, and it is equipped with a turbojet engine, The Ghost Hunter will be able to take off and navigate to a target based on operator commands, after which it will switch to homing under the control of artificial intelligence. It is proposed to use a radar seeker for this purpose..

Quote: Vladimir_2U

Moreover, they allow defending the skies without expensive radars and OES

Wait, soon they'll start developing and adapting their own cheap analogues of "classic" radars and electronic systems for them. Do you think an FPV interceptor operator with binoculars will be able to spot an enemy UAV?

Quote: Vladimir_2U

That is, to cover the lower palate of the LBS

They will occupy a niche between MANPADS and small arms (rifle).

[Melior]

How should object-based air defense be organized:
- in the center there is a tower made of a truss structure at least 20 meters high, on it there is an OLS or radar
- along the perimeter of the facility there are launch pads with Hunter Eagle interceptors
When a UAV is detected, interceptors are launched from the nearest launch pad and attack the target head-on on a collision course, minimizing the flight time to the interception point and allowing them to intercept faster targets.

[the same doctor]

Interceptors will undoubtedly be the most effective counter-UAV weapon of the future. Their stated capabilities allow them to be used today, even without any weapons, purely for ramming. I think these toys could withstand a couple dozen collisions.
.
The overall design is close to perfection and soon all UAVs will be like this.

[rosomaha]

This isn't the first time similar interceptors have been unveiled in the last six months... I noticed one peculiarity - a paired development - two interceptors for different target groups:
- UAVs are small-sized, low-altitude, with low speed (previously up to 300-400 km/h, now up to 700 km/h)
- larger UAVs, with greater altitude and speed parameters...these can intercept aircraft and cruise missiles
The question arises: should these air defense systems be separated into a separate class or should the functions of short-range air defense systems be expanded? Option 2 would be more logical: attach a new radar, optics, and missiles to an existing system. But such systems are expensive, and their number will be limited, and losses are significant, as their range is short and they are susceptible to attack by the same FPV. Accordingly, a cheaper system with combined armament (gun, electronic warfare, SAMs, and interceptor drones) is needed, while still being effective as a full-fledged short-range SAM system. Incidentally, its capabilities against cruise missiles and low-altitude aircraft must be preserved. I believe such systems will fill the niche of the Strela-10, below which are only MANPADS and small anti-aircraft missiles, and above which are Tor and Pantsir SAMs. A distinctive feature of such a system is its ability to be used on various land-based chassis, fixed platforms, and boats with design modifications.