IAI Unveils Barak-8 EA: Israel’s New Exo-Atmospheric Missile with Over 250km Range

At the Paris Air Show 2025, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) officially unveiled the Barak-8 Exo, also referred to as Barak EA (Exo-Atmospheric) — the latest and most advanced member of the Barak missile family. This new variant marks a significant leap in Israel’s layered air and missile defense capabilities, extending engagement ranges well beyond 250 km and reaching into the exo-atmospheric zone.

A New Milestone in the Barak Family

The Barak missile family has evolved progressively from the short-range (SR) to medium-range (MR), long-range (LR), and extended-range (ER) versions. According to IAI data (as seen in the image), each step has expanded range and altitude capabilities:

• Barak SR – up to 15 km

• Barak MR – up to 35 km

• Barak LR – up to 70 km

• Barak ER – up to 150 km

• Barak EA (Exo/Exo-Atmospheric) – beyond 250 km

The new Barak-8 Exo sits at the top of this family, designed for interception of ballistic missiles, high-altitude aircraft, and hypersonic targets.

Technical Enhancements

The Barak-8 Exo incorporates several major upgrades compared to earlier versions:

• Extended Booster Stage: The missile features a powerful new booster, giving it the thrust necessary to reach exo-atmospheric altitudes (above 35 km) and engage high-velocity threats.

• Optical Tracking System: Unlike previous Barak variants that relied primarily on radar guidance, the Exo version includes an electro-optical tracking system for enhanced precision during terminal phase interception.

• Advanced Seeker Technology: It is expected to use an active radar seeker combined with optical homing, improving resilience against electronic countermeasures (ECM).

• Network-Centric Capability: Integrated with IAI’s Barak-MX Command and Control (C2) system, allowing interoperability with radar and sensor networks for multi-layer defense operations.

• Vertical Launch Capability: The missile uses a canister-based vertical launch system (VLS), enabling 360-degree coverage and compatibility with naval and land-based platforms.

Designed for Multi-Layered Defense

IAI envisions the Barak-8 Exo as a component of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense network, complementing the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3 systems. While Arrow-3 specializes in exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interception, the Barak-8 Exo bridges the gap between tactical missile defense and strategic interception, offering both anti-aircraft and anti-missile roles.

Global Interest and Future Deployment

Though IAI has not disclosed specific customers, defense sources suggest that India, Israel’s largest Barak-8 operator, could be an early partner or collaborator in testing the Exo variant. The Indian Navy already fields Barak-8 LR-SAM aboard major warships, and the Barak-8 ER is reportedly under consideration for future destroyer and frigate classes.

Given its range and altitude envelope, the Barak-8 Exo positions IAI to compete in the global market for long-range air defense and anti-ballistic missile systems, against systems like the SM-6, Aster-30 Block 1NT, and SAMP/T NG.