Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
Spike LR2 long-range ATGM. (Photo: Slovenian MoD)
The Slovenian MoD has awarded sole bidder EuroSpike (a JV between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Diehl and Rheinmetall) a €6.67 million ($6.6 million) contract to supply 50 Spike LR2 long-range ATGMs.
The contract was officially announced on the EU tenders database on 6 September, although it was awarded on 29 July.
Spike has been in use with the Slovenian Armed Forces since 2009. According to the MoD, the acquisition of Spike LR2 ‘will ensure the maintenance of the necessary missile stockpile to maintain combat preparedness’.
Spike LR2 has a range of 5,500m from a ground launcher and is available with two warheads: tandem HEAT, offering 30% greater armour penetration; and a new multipurpose blast warhead, which includes controlled fusing by the gunner.
In December 2020, the Slovenian Armed Forces successfully test-fired Spike LR missiles from a Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station mounted on an Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Spike LR2 can also be integrated on Protector.
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
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Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
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