Romania tests Spike LR missiles

The Romanian Army has completed testing and evaluation of ten Spike Long Range (LR) missiles as part of its procurement and evaluation process, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on 18 December.

The missiles were fired at the Cincu National Training Centre in Braşov, Romania, in different firing scenarios, including day mode and infrared mode. The firings against tanks and armoured personnel carriers at different ranges saw all ten missiles hit their targets.

The tests involved the infantry launcher configuration of the Integrated Control Launch Unit (ICLU), which is the new modern digital launcher for Spike missiles. The ICLU enables long range target detection capabilities and integration with a tactical network.

The Romanian Army is already using Spike family missiles. This includes deploying the Spike LR missile on a 30mm remote controlled weapon station on the BMP vehicle, and the Spike Extended Range missile (8km) on the Puma helicopter.

Romania’s Portable Anti-tank Spike-LR procurement programme will run through 2017-2019 and will equip the infantry, reconnaissance and mountain troop brigades as well as the artillery regiments of the Romanian land forces.

The Spike family consists of missiles suited for land, air and sea platforms, multiple ranges and a variety of targets. The missile features electro-optic CCD or IIR sensors for day/night all-weather operation, as well as a tandem warhead. The missile’s lofted trajectories enable the warhead to strike the target at its most vulnerable location with pinpoint precision.

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