Rafael Advanced Defense Systems said its SPICE 1000 guidance kit will soon be cleared for use on Israel’s F-35s after joint integration and testing with Lockheed Martin in the U.S. The kit converts 1,000-lb warheads into precision glide munitions with an approximate 75-mile standoff release range and is part of Rafael’s wider SPICE family. Rafael has exported the system to multiple buyers, with India’s procurement approved in December 2025, and will offer the capability to other F-35 operators after Israeli clearance.
Israel To Field SPICE 1000 Precision Glide Bombs From F-35 Fleet After U.S. Integration Tests
An Israeli F-35I Adir taxis out for a drill during Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on March, 15 2023. (William R. Lewis/U.S. Air Force)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that its SPICE 1000 guidance kit will soon be cleared for release from Israel’s F-35 fleet after completing integration and testing conducted jointly with Lockheed Martin at Lockheed’s facilities in the United States.
How SPICE 1000 Works
SPICE 1000 is a guidance-and-glide kit that converts 1,000-lb general-purpose and penetration warheads into precision glide munitions. Fitted with deployable wings and a guidance package, the kit gives pilots a standoff release range of roughly 75 miles (about 120 km), allowing engagement of targets from outside many air-defence envelopes.
Integration, Testing and Approval
Rafael said the integration effort is a joint initiative with Lockheed Martin and is taking place at Lockheed facilities in the United States. Development and flight-testing are expected to wrap up within a few months. Once testing is complete, the munition will receive formal clearance for operational use by the Israeli Air Force’s F-35I "Adir" fleet.
Operational Use and Export
Rafael noted that SPICE 1000 variants have been employed on Israeli F-15 and F-16 aircraft for several years in a variety of operational contexts. The company has also exported SPICE 1000 systems to multiple customers; one confirmed sale was approved by India’s Defense Acquisition Council in December 2025.
Fleet Context
The Israeli Air Force currently operates an active fleet of approximately 50 F-35I "Adir" aircraft. With recently approved procurements — including a May order for 25 additional jets — Israel expects to expand its fleet toward a planned total of about 100 F-35s.
Note: Rafael intends to offer the SPICE 1000 F-35 capability to other F-35 operators after Israeli operational clearance.
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