Israel Aerospace Industries Harpy UAV

IAI’s Harpy is an Unmanned Aerial System first operationalised in 1989 that has since undergone significant development. The New Generation (NG) Harpy is specifically designed to target and destroy radar targets in kamikaze-style attacks. The Mini Harpy is a smaller version of the same system, designed to attack “fast moving targets”.

Basic Weapon Facts

I. Background

1. Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries
2. Suppliers: Unknown
3. Country of origin: Israel
4. Developmental stage: Operational
5. System version: New Generation (NG)
6. System type: Unknown

II. General Specifications

III. Autonomy

Autonomous Targeting capabilities:

The Harpy NG was presented as a “fire and forget” autonomous weapon that “detects, attacks, and destroys enemy radar emitters”. IAI lists the Harpy as “fully autonomous”.

Sources

1. Manufacturer website:
   https://www.iai.co.il/p/harpy
2. News reports:
   • Harpy Harop  (Dimse)
   • Loitering Weapons  (Defense Update)
   • Description  (Odin Tradoc Army)
   • Loitering Munitions Legally Binding Rules Autonomy Weapon Systems  (ICRC)

Avi Perera

Avi is a researcher educated at the University of Cambridge, specialising in the intersection of AI Ethics and International Law. Recognised by the United Nations for his work on autonomous systems, he translates technical complexity into actionable global policy. His research provides a strategic bridge between machine learning architecture and international governance.