German Army trains with Spike
The German Army has wrapped its annual firing training of the Rafael Spike LR anti-tank guided missile as of 3 June.
Carried out in Germany in poor weather conditions, the training involved the firing of 54 live Spike missiles by gunners using the new Spike integrated control launch unit (ICLU) launcher.
Training consisted of complex firing scenarios such as beyond-line-of-sight engagements, retargeting mid-flight, firing in total darkness in infrared; as well as having to cope with adverse weather conditions, such as intense rain and strong winds. All 54 missiles hit their targets successfully.
Known as MELLS in Germany, the Spike family of missiles can counter land, air and naval threats at varying ranges. The missiles feature an electro-optic multispectral seeker for day/night operation and a tandem anti-tank warhead. With the missiles operating on a lofted trajectory, the warhead can strike a target at a vulnerable location with a fair degree of accuracy. In addition, Spike missiles can be mounted on a variety of platforms.
Rafael has sold over 30,000 Spike missiles to 31 countries around the world, with European production being handled by Eurospike via major EU defence Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Moshe Elazar, executive vice president and head of Rafael’s land and naval division, said: ‘Spike has proved to be a high quality and reliable system chosen by 18 EU/NATO members (as well as 13 additional nations).
'Eurospike and Rafael see great importance in maintaining the commonality of the European user nations Spike launchers and missiles. The nations’ interoperability is a key factor both tactically and economically. Part of our roadmap in all Spike weapon system upgrades includes investment of substantial R&D funds to maintain this commonality.'
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal]()
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans]()
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
![NSPA signs new helmet system deal and agreement for C-UAS systems]()
NSPA signs new helmet system deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
