Source: The Defense

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

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

About Wind Demon

The missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is an advanced, cost-effective air-to-surface cruise missile designed for precise, long-range attacks. It can be launched from helicopters or aircraft to strike both mobile and stationary targets autonomously.

Key features:

Range	Over 200 kilometers
Weight	140 kg
Accuracy	Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 1 meter
Altitude	Capable of flying at extremely low altitudes to avoid detection
Speed Profiles	Fast, Slow, Fast
Operational Time	Effective both day and night
Seeker	Advanced electro-optical seeker with thermal capabilities
Tracking	Laser spot tracking capabilities
Warhead Weight	Over 20 kilograms
Control System	Man-in-the-Loop control system for human supervision during critical phases

Strategic Implications:

The introduction of the Wind Demon reflects Israel's ongoing commitment to maintaining and advancing its military capabilities. The missile’s design aligns with modern strategic doctrines that prioritize rapid, precise, and cost-effective responses to threats.

• Deterrence and Response: The Wind Demon enhances Israel’s deterrence capabilities, ensuring that it can swiftly and accurately respond to various threats.
  • Its low detectability and precision strike capability make it a reliable option for pre-emptive and reactionary strikes.
• Operational Flexibility: The missile’s ability to operate at low altitudes and evade advanced air defenses provides operational flexibility for various mission profiles.
  • This includes both close-support roles for ground troops and strategic strikes against high-value targets.

• Economic Considerations: In the context of modern military procurement, affordability is a key factor.
  • The Wind Demon’s cost-efficiency means that more units can be deployed without straining defense budgets, allowing for a sustained operational tempo in prolonged conflicts.

MUST READ ARTICLES:

RudraM-II air-to-surface missile 

Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System

INDIAN MISSILES: AN OVERVIEW UPSC

THE BASICS OF MISSILES

Source:

https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/07/25/israel-wind-demon-missile/

PRACTICE QUESTION Which of the following statements about the "Wind Demon" missile, shown by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is/are correct? It has a range of over 200 kilometers and a weight of 140 kg. The missile has an advanced electro-optical seeker with thermal capabilities and laser spot tracking. It can be launched only from aircraft and not from helicopters. The missile features a Man-in-the-Loop control system for human supervision during critical mission phases. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A.1 and 2 only B.1, 2, and 4 only C.2 and 3 only D.1, 2, 3, and 4 Answer: B