Australia selects Spike LR2 missile system
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has selected the Rafael Spike LR2 missile system as its new Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability.
To be acquired under the Land 159 Lethality System project, Spike LR2 will give the Australian Army a modern and credible dismounted anti-armour guided missile system to target contemporary armoured threats.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, said: ‘The Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability will enable our dismounted teams to engage armoured targets faster, at increased range, and with improved accuracy.
‘New technology and capabilities enable [the] army to challenge it’s adversaries in complex, remote and hostile environments. The alignment with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (Land 400 Phase 2), will also enable [the] army to deliver improved operational effects for the ADF in sustainment, training and maintenance.’
The ADF is currently considering options to address a Medium Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability which will be presented to the Australian government for consideration in 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.