ROCKS (missile)
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| ROCKS Autonomous Extended Stand-Off Range Air-to-Surface Missile | |
|---|---|
| Type | Air-to-surface missile |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | Israeli Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Penetration or blast fragmentation warhead |
Operational range | 250–300 km (160–190 mi)[1][2] |
| Maximum speed | Supersonic |
Guidance system | INS/GPS EO/Anti-Radiation seeker |
Launch platform | Fighter Aircraft |
ROCKS is an autonomous extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Designed to engage high-value stationary and relocatable targets, the missile is particularly effective in GPS-denied environments. It incorporates technologies from Rafael's existing systems such as Popeye and SPICE,[3][4] and uses a Sparrow target missile booster.[5]
The missile offers several key features, such as high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 3 meters, day and night operation in all weather conditions, and resistance to electronic jamming. It is equipped with either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead and can be deployed well outside of enemy air defense coverage.[3][4]
For navigation and target acquisition, ROCKS uses a combination of inertial navigation system (INS), GPS, and an electro-optical seeker. The terminal guidance employs scene-matching technology or anti-radiation homing to ensure target destruction, even in scenarios where GPS is compromised.[3]
The ROCKS can be launched from an F-16 or F-35.[5]
The missile was first revealed at the 2019 Aero India show in Bangalore.[4] The Financial Times reported that the missile was possibly used in the 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran.[6]
