AFA 2026: For the first time, Rafael’s SPICE 1000 is being integrated on the F-35

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is integrating its SPICE 1000 air-to-surface munition on the F-35 fighter aircraft. It marks a significant step that will allow other countries operating the F-35 to field the Israeli munition in the future.

SPICE 1000 is an advanced air-to-surface munition capable of striking fixed and high-value targets at ranges of more than 120 km.

It is equipped with an electro-optical seeker.

The munition homes in on its target using advanced scene-matching algorithms and is optimized for the challenges of the modern battlefield.

SPICE 1000 has been sold to several countries and is in operational service with a number of air forces worldwide. It has served as a primary munition of the Israeli Air Force for several years, including extensive use in recent long-range operations flown from F-15 and F-16 aircraft.

The integration on the F-35 is being carried out as a joint project between Rafael and Lockheed Martin, at Lockheed Martin facilities in the United States. Work is expected to be completed within a few months, after which the munition will be cleared for employment from Israeli F-35 aircraft. At a later stage, F-35 operators worldwide will be able to field SPICE 1000.

The SPICE family is a line of precision-guided air-to-surface munitions with a range of up to 120 km, produced in three weight classes. The family was developed by Rafael and was awarded the Israel Defense Prize.

photo courtesy Rafael