Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled its new air-to-surface missile dubbed “Wind Demon” at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.

Weighing 140 kg, the missile system can be launched from aerial platforms such as attack helicopters and fighter aircraft. Its long-range capabilities allow it to engage both mobile and stationary targets more than 200 km away. Additionally, the Wind Demon can fly at extremely low altitudes, reducing the risk of detection and interception by enemy air defences.

According to the manufacturer, this new generation weapon system leverages modern capabilities and is built on years of experience in missiles and loitering munition development.

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The Wind Demon features laser-homing seekers and electro-optics for precise day and night target identification, while it can execute a predetermined mission plan. It also reportedly has remarkable accuracy, with a circular error probability of just 1 m. 

Except for these, the weapon features various speed profiles to allow rapid response or discrete approach, depending on the terrain. It also has automatic target recognition built in.

According to the company, the system includes enhanced connectivity features that enable real-time video transmission, person-in-the-loop control, and low altitude hold throughout the mission. Additionally, its selectable fast/slow/fast speed profile allows for high-speed reactions and selective slow-velocity approaches at points of interest.

Regarding its warhead, which exceeds 20 kg, this is adaptable for blast, fragmentation, and penetration effects. The missile is smaller than other Israeli missile systems such as the Popeye and the Gabriel family of missile systems, as well as the more recently introduced Sea Breaker.

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In addition to its purported affordability, IAI also referenced the ability to use the missile in large numbers, noting it offers a pragmatic response to the changing nature of warfare where affordable mass can deliver lethality against targets such as air defence systems and radars. 

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have illustrated the need for countries to have large amounts of various munitions, but also highlighted the high price tag that can come with such acquisitions (a reference to Storm Breaker and Taurus missiles). 

The cost disparity has been especially stark in the area of counter-unmanned aerial systems, where some militaries are using high-end missiles to knock out cheaply made drones.

That is why IAI is pitching the Wind Demon as a reliable air-to-surface cruise missile that neutralises targets at a uniquely low cost-per-hit ratio.

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