Rafael's Spike FireFly, fielded by the IDF as Maoz and later framed inside Rafael's L-SPIKE 1X line, is a backpack-portable loitering munition for infantry reconnaissance and close-range precision strikes. Open reporting documents combat use in Jenin in July 2023 and later IDF use in Khan Yunis during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War.
During the July 2023 Jenin Incursion, Ynet reported that IDF Duvdevan and Maglan units deployed six SPIKE FireFly/Maoz loitering munitions to strike targets around Jenin refugee camp, including command centers containing explosive charges.
In the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, the IDF said the 414th Field Intelligence Battalion used the Maoz/Spike FireFly in Khan Yunis to locate and strike Hamas cells.
Role detailsRafael and open reporting describe FireFly/Maoz as a close-combat loitering munition for dismounted troops operating in dense terrain. Its value is the combination of local surveillance, man-in-the-loop control, and a recover-or-strike decision before the operator commits the munition.
| Mode | Documented detail | Reader takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Launch concept | Backpack-portable system intended for maneuvering ground forces and urban fighting. | Fits infantry and commando units that need organic sensing and precision effects at short range. |
| Surveillance | Rafael and later reporting describe a longer-endurance surveillance mode without the armed payload. | The same air vehicle can help search alleys, compounds, or covered approaches before a strike decision. |
| Strike | Globes reported 15 minutes of armed flight, a 2.2 kg munition weight, and a 420 g warhead for L-SPIKE 1X. | The munition is optimized for close tactical targets rather than deep strike or heavy anti-armor work. |
| Abort / recover | Rafael's product page describes man-in-the-loop operation, and earlier reporting describes recoverability when the target is not valid. | The operator can delay, abort, or recover instead of treating launch as an automatic detonation. |
The page groups three public names for the same close-combat loitering munition lineage: Rafael's FireFly name, the IDF's Maoz service name, and the later L-SPIKE 1X branding used for the upgraded product line.
| Name | Context | Documented use |
|---|---|---|
| SPIKE FireFly | Original Rafael product name | C4ISRNet described FireFly as Rafael's loitering munition for infantry and special forces after the Israeli procurement announcement. |
| Maoz | IDF service designation | Ynet and C4ISRNet identify Maoz as the Israeli service name for the FireFly system. |
| L-SPIKE 1X | Updated Rafael branding | Globes describes L-SPIKE 1X as an upgraded evolution of FireFly inside Rafael's newer L-SPIKE loitering-munition line. |
Rafael's L-SPIKE framing connects FireFly/Maoz to the broader SPIKE precision-guided weapon family while keeping it distinct from conventional anti-tank guided missiles.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Adjacent Rafael SPIKE family context | Rafael's L-SPIKE framing places the loitering munition line under the broader SPIKE precision-guided tactical missile family rather than making FireFly a conventional ATGM. |
C4ISRNet reported that Rafael first showed FireFly at Eurosatory in 2018 as a loitering munition for maneuvering ground forces and urban fighting.
Sources: C4ISRNet Israel acquires FireFly loitering munition for close combat
C4ISRNet said Israel's Ministry of Defense had procured the FireFly for infantry and special forces, making Maoz the IDF's service designation for the system.
Sources: C4ISRNet Israel acquires FireFly loitering munition for close combat
Ynet reported that IDF Duvdevan and Maglan units deployed six SPIKE FireFly/Maoz loitering munitions during the July 2023 Jenin operation.
Sources: Ynet FireFly Jenin operational deployment
FDD's Long War Journal reported Maoz/Spike FireFly use by the IDF's 414th Field Intelligence Battalion in Khan Yunis against Hamas cells.
Sources: FDD Long War Journal Gaza battlefield technology report
Globes reported Rafael's L-SPIKE line and described L-SPIKE 1X as an upgraded evolution of FireFly with a surveillance and armed endurance split.
Sources: Globes Rafael unveils new SPIKE missile
