Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced the development of a groundbreaking lightweight missile named Teaser, heralded as the “first guided missile in the world utilizing external optical guidance without a homing sensor.”
Avi Kadoori, a manager at IAI, explained to Breaking Defense that the missile, which weighs less than five pounds and can be shoulder-launched, operates independently of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), making it immune to conventional jamming or spoofing tactics. Described as an “ACLOS (Automatic Command to Line-of-Sight) tactical, affordable infantry weapon system,” the Teaser missile is designed to meet the specific demands of modern warfare.
“It’s crucial not to rely on GNSS,” Kadoori emphasized, noting IAI’s development focus stemming from customer requirements. “We invested considerable thought into the design, learning from various experiences in conflicts.” While no specific Israeli conflicts were mentioned, Kadoori referred to the intense electronic warfare environment seen on the battlefield in Ukraine as a relevant example, where both sides are engaged in significant electronic conflicts.
The Teaser missile operates with a unique external sight, known as Teaser-Sight, which guides the missile to targets located up to 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) away. To ensure precision, the operator must maintain a lock on the target throughout the missile’s flight, with speeds reaching approximately 200 meters per second. The warhead is purpose-built for use by infantry and special forces units, enabling effective targeting of light structures, light armored vehicles, and anti-personnel operations.
Photos provided by IAI illustrate possible deployment methods for the missile, showcasing its shoulder-launched capabilities as well as potential use mounted on vehicles with launching canisters. Kadoori also highlighted the possibility of integrating the Teaser-Sight with drones, allowing operators to guide missiles remotely toward designated targets.
The decision to focus on this particular operational range was driven by the belief that forces require such a system for both close-quarter combat in urban settings and open terrain. Kadoori mentioned its potential applications for crews of small boats, hinting at naval uses or operations in littoral combat environments.
In a statement, the company noted that the missile’s two-stage embedded motor (ejection stage and booster) guarantees a safe back-blast, facilitating firing from enclosed spaces. Additionally, the Teaser missile features a remote launch capability, allowing operators to issue launch commands via a Ground Control Station (GCS).
Although the Teaser missile is not yet operational, Kadoori reported that several potential customers have expressed interest, actively inquiring about this innovative solution over the past year.
