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, and uses a Sparrow target missile booster. The missile offers several key features, such as high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable of 3 metres (9.8 ft), 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. For navigation and target acquisition, ROCKS uses a combination of inertial navigation system, Global Positioning System (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. The ROCKS can be launched from an F-16 or F-35. The missile was first revealed at the 2019 Aero India show in Bangalore. The Financial Times reported that the missile was possibly used in the 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran.