Spike (missile)

The long and extended range versions of the Spike also have the capability of "Fire, Observe and Update" operating mode (also known as Lock-on after launch (LOAL)).

Currently, it is replacing aging semi-automatic command to line of sight second generation anti-tank missiles like the MILAN and M47 Dragon in the armies of the user nations.

[12] The short range version of the weapon was unveiled in 2012 to give infantrymen a guided missile between the larger Spike MR and unguided rockets.

[14] The Spike SR does not require a separate sight, instead utilizing the low-cost thermal camera and guidance electronics strapped to the missile's nose to provide this function through a display integrated into the launcher, showing the target until launch.

[14] In May 2016 Rafael concluded deliveries of Spike SR to its first export customer,[16] later revealed to be the Singapore Armed Forces to replace the Carl Gustaf M2.

[22] In early 2014, Rafael revealed they had increased the range of the Spike LR to 5.5 km (3.4 mi), enhancing versatility on existing firing platforms and allowing it to be utilized on new ones like light helicopters.

[24] Warhead options of tandem HEAT with 30% increased armor penetration or a multipurpose blast warhead with selectable impact or penetration detonation fusing, a new seeker that includes an uncooled IR sensor with a smart target tracker with artificial intelligence features, the ability to fire on grid target coordinates using an inertial measurement unit for third party-target allocation, and is compatible with legacy launchers.

The missile is designed with a counter-active protection system (CAPS) capability, being able to hit targets at higher impact angles of up to 70 degrees.

It retains the same weight, airframe, surface geometries, and propulsion unit but introduces a two-way RF data-link to increase real-time control to an extended range of 16 km (9.9 mi) from helicopters; it also has an extended fiber optic link to increase range to 10 km (6.2 mi) from land and naval platforms.

[30] "Non Line Of Sight" is an ultra long-range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: Tamuz, תמוז), with a claimed maximum range of 32 km (20 mi).

It was developed following lessons learned in the Yom Kippur War, which showed a need for a high-precision guided tactical ground-to-ground battlefield missile.

The first variants entered service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in tandem with the Pereh missile carrier in 1981, though the existence of both was not revealed to the public until 2011.

[34] In 2011 it also became known that in a highly unusual move, the British Army was hastily equipped with the missile for counter-mortar fire, drawn directly from IDF inventory after being exposed to increasing insurgent attacks in Iraq.

[35] For operational security, the codename of 'EXACTOR missile' was assigned in British service and it was initially mounted on launchers atop leased M113 APCs.

The NLOS Mk.2 performed badly being too fast and difficult to control, the M113 overheated in the desert and had a poor resolution camera display that compared unfavorably with its contemporaries.

[38][39] In a deal concluded on 6 September 2011, the South Korean government had agreed to purchase an unknown number of Spike NLOS Mk.5 missiles.

[40][41] Rafael is working on expanding the missile's versatility by enhancing the existing EO-IR/CCD seeker with semi-active laser (SAL) capability and different anti-armor, blast-penetration, and high-explosive fragmentation warheads to meet specific applications.

[43] In June 2022, Rafael unveiled the Spike NLOS 6th generation with range increased to 50 kilometres (31 mi), a salvo feature which can launch up to four missiles at a time, and the ability to hand over control after firing to another platform.

It was to introduce new flight modes to enable precision strikes in urban areas, such as flying through windows or attacking an enemy hidden behind defilade or obstacles using non-line-of-sight engagement.

Weighing 14 kg and utilizing the same airframe, EO/IR seekers and warheads as the Spike LR2, it features longer wings to give it an improved glide ratio for a range of 30 km (19 mi) when launched from 8,200 metres (27,000 ft).

Spz Puma Marder 1A5 Wiesel 1 AWC - MELLS (weapon carrier), entered service in 2022:[76] GTK Boxer Freccia:[84]

[46] Reports state that the killing of seven humanitarian aid workers during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip was accomplished by Spike missiles fired by a Hermes 450 drone.

Cut away diagram of Spike ATGM.
Frontal close-up of the Spike missile's Command & launch unit (CLU) with thermal-imaging sight, tripod mount and an attached dummy missile canister.
Israeli soldier with MR/LR type Spike launcher
Spike LR2
Spike ER missiles mounted on a Rafael Typhoon MLS-ER Remote Weapons System on board an MPAC Mk. III attack boat of the Philippine Navy.
A Bulgarian Land Forces militarised Land Cruiser 70 with a Spike NLOS Mk.5 launcher.
Boxer CRV
Eagle V
Piranha V
CV90 MK III MLU
MELLS launcher on Puma
Wiesel 1 AWC - MELLS
Boxer IFV with KNDS RCT-30 turret
CV90 MK III MLU
Map with Spike operators in blue
Italian Army 8th Bersaglieri Regiment Spike launch during an exercise
The BRP Herminigildo Yurong of the Philippine Navy testing the Spike NLOS system.
Singapore Airshow 2008, a locally developed twin-tube launcher for the Spike as mounted on a Light Strike Vehicle of the Singapore Army .
Spike-NLOS being fired from a Plasan Sand Cat .