Israeli firms showcase next-generation defense tech at AUSA expo in Washington

Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled a full-size model of Sky Sonic, its interceptor designed to counter hypersonic missiles, at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition in Washington this week.

The unveiling highlights Israel’s expanding defense technology sector, with 25 Israeli companies participating in the exhibition and showcasing systems aimed at the U.S. military and international markets.

The event has also seen the launch of other Israeli defense technology, as Israeli companies seek to expand their presence in the global defense industry.

Rafael first announced its work on a hypersonic interceptor in 2023. The Sky Sonic model unveiled this week marks a new public milestone in developing a system intended to address the growing threat posed by hypersonic weapons.

Traveling at speeds of at least five times the speed of sound, hypersonic missiles can challenge traditional air defense systems, particularly when they maneuver during flight. Russia has used hypersonic weapons in its war against Ukraine, while Iran has also claimed to use such missiles in attacks targeting its Gulf Arab neighbors.

Sky Sonic is among several systems being developed to counter this threat, including technologies designed to intercept maneuvering hypersonic missiles that can change course in flight.

When Rafael launched the project in June 2023, company chairman Yuval Steinitz said it would build on technology Rafael had already developed, including an interceptor that had undergone initial testing. Rafael has made few public announcements about the project's progress since then, making this week's unveiling a notable development.

Another Israeli company, Twenty-Six Defense, unveiled its “Primex” wearable combat technology at the AUSA expo. The company was founded under the auspices of an American subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

The company explained that “Primex uses low-light sensors, thermal imagery, and real-time processing to produce an ultra-low-latency digital perception that enables operators to better interpret the surrounding area even amid challenging environmental conditions.”

“You are not only seeing what is in front of you. You can leverage a feed coming from a drone or from other assets,” said Ernie Basic, Twenty-Six Defense’s senior director of research and development, in a statement in August. “You can start seeing what is going on behind a house or another structure, cue a squad to a different location, and continuously update them.”

In total, 25 Israeli companies are participating in the AUSA exhibition, seeking to attract the attention of the expanding American military and security sectors.

"With the United States, everything is on the table, and companies are also showcasing their next generation of products and their innovations," Yair Kulas, head of Israel's Defense Ministry defense export directorate, told Calcalist.

Israel is one of the world's leading defense producers, with defense exports reaching a record $19.2 billion in 2025. Many Israeli defense companies maintain partnerships with American and European defense contractors, supporting jobs in Israel and abroad.

According to its website, “The Association of the United States Army is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America’s Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports the Soldier, and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation.”