Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin have begun integrating the SPICE 1000 precision-guided weapon with Israel’s F-35 Adir fighter, marking the first effort to qualify the weapon for the aircraft.
The work is being conducted at Lockheed Martin facilities in the US and was disclosed during AFA 2026. SPICE 1000 has a stated range of more than 120 kilometers and is designed to engage fixed and high-value targets from extended distances.
The integration will add Rafael’s SPICE 1000 to the potential weapons portfolio of the F-35 Adir, Israel’s version of the F-35 fighter. Lockheed Martin is providing expertise as the aircraft manufacturer, while Rafael is responsible for the air-to-surface weapon system.
SPICE 1000 is designed for precision strikes against targets whose locations are known or can be identified through its guidance system. Its range of more than 120 kilometers allows the launching aircraft to remain at a significant distance from the target area during an engagement.
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The weapon uses an electro-optical seeker and scene-matching technology for guidance. The seeker collects visual information about the target area and compares it with stored reference data, allowing the weapon to identify its intended aim point and adjust its flight path.
How SPICE 1000 SWorks
Scene matching is a central element of the SPICE guidance system. The weapon processes images of the surrounding area and compares them with reference information associated with the designated target. This approach allows the system to guide the weapon without depending solely on satellite navigation.
SPICE 1000 is part of Rafael’s SPICE family of precision-guided air-to-surface weapons, which is available in three weight classes. The family provides aircraft operators with different options depending on target requirements, range and aircraft carrying capacity.
Rafael says SPICE weapons have been used by the Israeli Air Force for several years and have been integrated with aircraft including the F-15 and F-16. The SPICE family has also been sold to several international customers.
Integration Expands F-35 Weapons Options
Qualifying SPICE 1000 for the F-35 requires integration between the weapon, aircraft and mission systems. The process must establish that the weapon can exchange the required data with the aircraft and be safely carried and released under operational conditions.
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The project expands the use of SPICE 1000 to Israel’s fifth-generation fighter fleet. The F-35 combines low observability, advanced sensors and networked mission capabilities with precision weapons.
However, SPICE 1000 will provide Israel’s F-35 Adir fleet with another long-range air-to-surface option. The integration would extend Rafael’s weapon from its existing F-15 and F-16 applications to the F-35 platform.
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