Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has announced that its SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be deployable from the country’s F-35 fighter aircraft. The integration is being carried out as a joint initiative with aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin at its facilities in the United States, with development and testing expected to conclude within a few months.
Once testing is complete, the munition will be formally cleared for operational use by the Israeli Air Force’s F-35 fleet before becoming available to other F-35 operators worldwide. The SPICE 1000 system converts 1,000-pound general-purpose and penetration warheads into precision munitions, utilizing gliding wings that allow pilots to strike targets from a distance of 75 miles, according to the official statement from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The SPICE 1000 has served as a primary munition on Israeli F-15 and F-16 fighters for several years, seeing service in recent conflicts. While Rafael has sold the system to multiple international clients, India’s Defense Acquisition Council notably approved the procurement of SPICE 1000 systems in December 2025. The Israeli Air Force currently operates an active fleet of approximately fifty F-35I Adir aircraft, with projections to reach a total fleet of 100 stealth fighters upon completion of approved procurements.
