US-Israel partnership set to revolutionize precision-guided strike missiles

US General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has announced a new partnership with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. of Israel, with the goal of jointly manufacturing a long-range, precision-guided strike missile.

The collaboration will see GA-EMS serve as the US prime contractor for the development of the missile, named Bullseye, which is designed to meet US military specifications, Caliber.Az report citing General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems.

The missile will offer multi-platform launch capabilities from air, ground, and sea, providing a cost-effective solution for strike missions. The announcement was made at the Navy League of the United States’ Sea-Air-Space Conference in National Harbor, MD.

“We are excited to work with Rafael to introduce Bullseye, a highly effective deep-strike missile. Bullseye will be built in the US for delivery to US military customers to support a variety of critical Department of Defence and coalition partners’ precision-fires missions,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS.

“By leveraging Rafael’s extensive investment in the design, maturation and testing of a unique, modular missile, we can reduce risk and development costs and provide production-scale delivery of a highly capable, high-performance precision-guided missile at significant per-unit cost-savings,” Forney noted.

Rafael, renowned for its cutting-edge technologies, will bring its advanced missile systems expertise to the partnership. “As a company that has spent decades pushing the boundaries of precision-strike technology, we are proud to partner with GA-EMS on the Bullseye program,” said Yuval Miller, executive vice president and head of Rafael’s Air & C 4ISR Systems Division.

“By combining Rafael’s Combat-proven innovative 5th Generation missile technologies with GA-EMS’ advanced manufacturing, assembly, integration and test expertise, Bullseye will deliver unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and affordability, giving warfighters a state-of-the-art missile system that hits its mark and adapts to evolving mission needs.”

The Bullseye missile, still in development, will demonstrate its effectiveness in long-range precision strikes, designed to engage a wide range of targets. Its modular and scalable design will allow for incremental development, interoperability, and future upgrades to meet various Department of Defence service requirements. The missile’s design is currently at Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8), with Rafael having already completed successful aerodynamics, engine, seeker, and launch integration testing. Additional flight testing is planned for qualification and to verify operational readiness. The missile is expected to enter production in late 2025, with deliveries scheduled to begin soon after.

The missile will comply with all relevant US military standards and will be manufactured and integrated at GA-EMS’ manufacturing center of excellence in Tupelo, MS. This facility is recognized for its vast expertise in engineering, design, integration, testing, and manufacturing of complex, specialized systems and components that support US national security interests.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is a leader in developing cutting-edge technologies that provide breakthrough solutions in various operational environments, from undersea to space.

GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities, including electromagnetic, power generation, and energy storage systems; space systems and satellites; hypersonic and missile defence systems; and laser weapon systems. The company also provides commercial products and services, focusing on hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries.

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. is a premier Israeli defense company renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced weapon systems. With a diverse portfolio that includes precision-guided missiles, such as the SPIKE family, and cutting-edge air defence solutions like the acclaimed Iron Dome system, Rafael stands at the forefront of military innovation.

Leveraging decades of experience and a proven track record of combat-deployed systems, the company equips armed forces worldwide with next-generation capabilities that enhance national security. Rafael remains committed to technological excellence, continuously pioneering breakthrough defence systems through strategic international partnerships.

By Vafa Guliyeva