Protecting the horizon
Make it an unfair fight, with the EA-37B. Deny, degrade, and disrupt the enemy.
Live-fire trials clear way for Spike NLOS missile integration with latest Apache helicopter
The AH-64E V6 model of the Apache has been operational with the US Army since 2021. (Photo: US Army)
Spike NLOS missiles fired from an AH-64E V6 attack helicopter successfully hit stationary targets in a live-fire test at Yuma Proving Ground.
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control's Precision Strike team has successfully fired two Rafael Spike NLOS all-up rounds (AURs) from the Boeing AH-64E V6 Apache attack helicopter. The trials were carried out on 26 January at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
The live fire event verifies the Spike NLOS Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) system’s integration onto the Apache platform and allows it to enter qualification testing.
'The successful integration of Spike NLOS on the Apache platform demonstrates Lockheed Martin's continued commitment to 21st century security solutions that help our customers complete their missions,' said Tom Bargnesi, programme management senior manager of the Precision Strike team. 'The system’s expansion onto additional platforms, along with its mission-focused defence capabilities, ensures it will help the US Army stay ahead of ready in an ever-evolving threat environment.'
Related Articles
Airbus H145M successfully fires Spike ER2 missile
US Army orders more EO fire control system components for Apache attack helos
US F-15EX successfully tests new missile stations
The demonstration saw two Spike NLOS AURs fired from an AH-64 at stationary targets in separate scenarios.
Spike NLOS system will next begin testing to qualify the design for airworthiness release (AWR). Once AWR is awarded, the system is scheduled be fielded on the US Army’s AH-64E V6 fleet by September 2024.
According to Shephard Defence Insight,, the US Army plans to acquire 791 AH-64Es (a combination of new and remanufactured aircraft) to fulfil its attack helicopter requirements. The service intends to sustain the Apache fleet through the year 2040.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Protecting the horizon]()
-
![Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network]()
Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
