Rafael’s SkySonic system is in the advanced stages of development and will soon undergo live flight tests, the company says.

By JNS

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on Wednesday announced the development of what it said was the world’s first hypersonic missile interceptor, called SkySonic.

The decision by the state-owned defense contractor to publicize the project comes after last week’s unveiling of what Iran claimed is its first domestically manufactured hypersonic missile.

“We follow the developments and threats in the global arena and, as in the past, advance and develop the most advanced defense systems,” said Dr. Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael.

SkySonic is in advanced stages of development and will soon undergo its first live flight tests, the company said. Rafael is planning to showcase the interceptor at the Paris Air Show next week, and the firm said that it has already briefed the Pentagon on the development.

Hypersonic missiles can travel at least five times faster than the speed of sound, on complex trajectories, making it easier to evade aerial defense systems.