At the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 exhibition scheduled for May 5-8 in Tampa, Florida, the American company Rafael USA Inc. (part of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) presented an improved MicroLite optoelectronic payload, thanks to a strategic cooperation with the American company Sky Sapience.
Photos: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
This cooperation highlights the MicroLite’s advanced features, offering real-time wide area battlefield monitoring, tactical intelligence gathering, and battlefield ISR, all amplified bythe integration with Sky Sapience’s Tethered Aerial Infrastructure.
The MicroLite, developed by Rafael, serves as a versatile tool forwide-area persistent surveillance and monitoring, allowing forces inreal time tactical situational awareness for force protection missions as well in supporting ground maneuvering elements with greater accuracy. It provides real-time intelligence, enabling forces to monitor largeareas, gather critical data, and strategize effectively for mission execution. The capability is a true game changer.
By integrating with Sky Sapience’s HoverMast platforms, the MicroLite enhances its operational flexibility, making it an invaluable tethered asset for real time tactical intelligence collection in land, sea, andurban environments. The integration highlights how the Microlite’scapabilities can be expanded, supporting various mission scenarios with precision and reliability.
Another key feature of this collaboration is seamless integration of thetethered Microlite WAPS payload with an adjacent Controp’s payload usedfor NFOV investigation. If the MicroLite detects and tracks a target, the system can automatically hand off the target to Controp’s sensor forfurther investigation. This automatic handover ensures a smooth transition of tasks, allowing forces to prioritize critical targets and improve operational efficiency during missions.
Sky Sapience’s HoverMast platforms are designed to be rugged, mobile, and fully autonomous. These systems can reach altitudes of up to 700 meters (2300 ft) and carry payloads of up to 10 kg (20 lbs.), making them ideal for deployment in GPS-denied zones or electronic warfare environments. With an IP-65 rating for environmental protection, the HoverMast platforms are built to withstand harsh conditions and are well-suited for complex operational scenarios.
CEO of Sky Sapience, Mr. Yahav Regev:
For years, the tethered drone market has stood still – we are here to change that. We have taken the best of masts, aerostats, and drones and engineered a single, rugged, and mobile solution. Sky Sapience brings a fresh engineering mindset, deep operational understanding, and a strong network of partners. I believe our systems will fundamentally shift how forces operate at height – whether at the border or deep in the field. Our valued collaboration with Rafael further strengthens this vision, combining world-class defense expertise with disruptive aerial capabilities.
Rafael USA Inc., Vice President Mr. Gal Papier:
We are thrilled to take part in SOFWEEK 2025 & present among other capabilities this application of our unique Microlite WAPS payload integrated with Sky Sapience’s HoverMast platforms. MicroLite is a game changing system with capabilities that strengthen operational effectiveness. This application can serve as a force multiplier for military units like SOCOM Operational detachments (ODAs) allowing them on demand real-time tactical wide area ISR for expeditionary organicforce protection capabilities.
Press release