Popeye

Popeye is an Israeli air-to-surface missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. CSIS notes that Rafael began work after researching television guidance in the 1970s and developed the missile in the early 1980s. It gave Israeli aircraft a precision stand-off option against high-value targets while limiting exposure to air defences.

Technically, Popeye combines inertial mid-course navigation with man-in-the-loop terminal guidance through a datalink. Depending on variant, the seeker can provide television or imaging-infrared imagery to the operator. This allows precision aim-point selection and target confirmation during the terminal phase, useful for fixed or relocatable targets.

Operationally, Popeye supports deep precision attacks from aircraft outside the densest threat zone. The missile family has been associated with Israeli service and export variants, including the U.S. AGM-142 Have Nap. Its role is high-value strike rather than close air support, with accuracy and operator control central to its military value.