ROCKS (missile)

ROCKS is an autonomous extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Designed to engage high-value stationary and relocatable targets, the missile is particularly effective in GPS-denied environments. It incorporates technologies from Rafael's existing systems such as Popeye and SPICE,^[1][2] and uses a Sparrow target missile booster.^[3]

ROCKS Autonomous Extended Stand-Off Range Air-to-Surface Missile
Type	Air-to-surface missile
Place of origin	Israel
Service history
In service	2019–present
Used by	Israeli Air Force
Production history
Designer	Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Manufacturer	Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Specifications
Warhead	Penetration or blast fragmentation warhead
Operational range	Extended stand-off range
Maximum speed	Supersonic
Guidance system	INS/GPS with electro-optical seeker and Anti-Radiation capability
Launch platform	Combat aircraft

The missile offers several key features, such as high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 3 meters, day and night operation in all weather conditions, and resistance to electronic jamming. It is equipped with either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead and can be deployed well outside of enemy air defense coverage.^[1][2]

For navigation and target acquisition, ROCKS uses a combination of inertial navigation system (INS), GPS, and an electro-optical seeker. The terminal guidance employs scene-matching technology or anti-radiation homing to ensure target destruction, even in scenarios where GPS is compromised.^[1]

The ROCKS can be launched from an F-16 or F-35.^[3]

The missile was first revealed at the 2019 Aero India show in Bangalore.^[2]

The Financial Times reported that the missile was possibly used in the 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran.^[4]