Aircraft
German-Israeli Smart Bomb Project Unveiled
Diehl BGT Defence of Germany has partnered with Rafael of Israel to launch a new standoff weapon with dual-mode guidance called “Pilum.” Named, after the
Return of the slew wing: a model of Pilum was on display at the Paris Air Show. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
Return of the slew wing: a model of Pilum was on display at the Paris Air Show. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Diehl BGT Defence of Germany has partnered with Rafael of Israel to launch a new standoff weapon with dual-mode guidance called “Pilum.”

Named, after the Roman army’s javelin, the Pilum smart bomb brings together the airframe of Diehl BGT’s HOSBO (German acronym for “high-performance penetrator”) with the guidance systems of Rafael’s Spice. The co-development furthers the collaboration between the two companies, which are already involved (along with Rheinmetall) in the EuroSpike venture that markets the Rafael Spike anti-tank missile in Europe.