Delilah

Israel’s turbojet-powered loitering cruise missile — a standoff weapon that combines man-in-the-loop terminal guidance with multi-platform versatility, and has been battle-tested from Lebanon (2006) through the 2026 Iran war.

Overview

The Delilah is a subsonic, air-launched loitering cruise missile developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI) and now produced by Elbit Systems. Originally adapted from a 1980s anti-radiation drone, the weapon evolved into a precision offensive missile in the 1990s and entered Israeli Air Force service around 1995. Its defining feature is a man-in-the-loop datalink that lets a remote weapon systems officer observe the target in real time through the missile’s infrared seeker, then confirm, abort, or redirect the strike. This ability, combined with a 250-km range, a small but exceptionally accurate warhead, and compatibility with fighter aircraft, helicopters, ground-launched canisters (PULS MLRS), and shipboard mounts, makes Delilah a uniquely flexible asset in Israel’s arsenal.

🔒 The full Delilah file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →