The missile can engage and destroy targets within the line-of-sight of the launcher ("fire-and-forget"), and some variants can make a top attack through a "fire, observe and update" method (essentially lock-on after launch);[5] the operator tracking the target, or switching to another target, optically through the trailing fiber-optic wire (or RF link in the case of the vehicle-mounted, long-range NLOS variant) while the missile is climbing to altitude after launch. This is similar to the lofted trajectory flight profile of the US FGM-148 Javelin.
Design
Cut away diagram of Spike ATGM.Frontal close-up of the Spike missile's Command & launch unit (CLU) with thermal-imaging sight, tripod mount and an attached dummy missile canister.
Spike is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker.
The long and extended range versions of the Spike also have the capability of "Fire, Observe and Update" operating mode (also known as Lock-on after launch (LOAL)). The missile is connected by a fiber-optical wire that is spooled out between the launch position and the missile. With this, the operator can obtain a target if it is not in the line of sight of the operator at launch, switch targets in flight, or compensate for the movement of the target if the missile is not tracking the target for some reason. Hence, the missile can be fired speculatively for a target of opportunity, or to provide observation on the other side of an obstacle. The missile has a soft launch capability – the motor firing after the missile has left the launcher – that allows the missile to be fired from confined spaces, which is a necessity in urban warfare.
The missile uses a tandem warhead consisting of two shaped charges: a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive reactive armor, and a primary warhead to penetrate the underlying armor. Currently, it is replacing aging semi-automatic command to line of sight second generation anti-tank missiles like the MILAN and M47 Dragon in the armies of the user nations. Spike missile is also equipped with heat chasing technology.
The Spike system is made up of the launching tripod with its fire control unit and the missile. There is no dedicated thermal sight on the launcher: the missile's imaging seeker is used. Altogether, the long range variant of the system weighs around 26 kg (57 lb).
Spike can be operated from the launcher by infantry, or from mounts that can be fitted to vehicles such as fast attack vehicles, armoured personnel carriers or utility vehicles. Vehicles that are not normally fitted with anti-tank weapons can therefore be given anti-tank capability.
In order to facilitate the selling of the weapon system in Europe, the company EuroSpike GmbH was formed in Germany. Its shareholders are Diehl Defence (40%), Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (40%) and Rafael via ERCAS B.V (20%). ERCAS B.V. is a Dutch holding company owned 100% by Rafael.
EuroSpike GmbH is located in Röthenbach, Germany. The European variant of the Spike weapon system differs a little from the Israeli version and is marketed under the name EuroSpike.[9]
The missiles were also marketed and produced under license in Singapore by ST Engineering.[10]
For other areas of the world, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is solely responsible.[11]
Rafael state over 40,000 missiles had been delivered to 41 countries by 2023, of which about 7,000 had been used in trials, training, and combat.[3]
Variants
Firing post
Command & Launch Unit (CLU)
The reusable Command & launch unit (CLU), battery, tripod and the thermal sight are common for both MR and LR versions of the Spike missile family, each weighing 5 kg (11 lb), 1 kg (2.2 lb), 2.8 kg (6.2 lb), and 4 kg (8.8 lb) respectively.[4]
Integrated Control Launch Unit (ICLU)
They are used for the newer variants LR2 and ER2 variants.[12]
Vehicle Missile Launching System (VMLS)
Launching system used on all turrets equipped with the Spike missile. The Spike LR, ER and NLOS as well as the modernised variants can be used with these systems.[12]
Missiles
Spike-SR
The short range version of the weapon was unveiled in 2012 to give infantrymen a guided missile between the larger Spike-MR and unguided rockets.[13] The missile is 8 kg (18 lb) for a 9.8 kg (22 lb) disposable munition for use at platoon-level whose minimum range is 50 m (160 ft) and whose maximum range is 1.5 km (0.93 mi). It is equipped with a stiff-necked uncooled electro-optical infrared seeker and advanced tracker, as opposed to the gimballed seeker in the Spike MR/LR/ER versions.[14] The Spike-SR does not require a separate sight, instead utilizing the low-cost thermal camera and guidance electronics strapped to the missile's nose to provide this function through a display integrated into the launcher, showing the target until launch.[15] The warhead can either be a multi-purpose tandem shaped-charge warhead with blast-fragmentation effect[13] or a new Penetration-Blast-Fragmentation (PBF) variant leveraged from the MATADOR's anti-structure warhead to equip maneuvering forces in urban environments to breach enemy cover and structures with a lethal blast effect.[14] In May 2016 Rafael concluded deliveries of Spike-SR to its first export customer,[16] later revealed to be the Singapore Armed Forces to replace the Carl Gustaf M2.[17]
Israeli soldier with MR/LR type Spike launcher
Spike-MR
The medium range version (Israeli designation: NT-Gil). The weight of the missile is 14 kg (31 lb), its minimum range is 200 m, while its maximum range is 2,500 m (1.6 mi). It is used by infantry and special forces.[18]
Spike-LR
Long range version (Israeli designation: NT-Spike). The weight of the missile is 14 kg (31 lb), and the weight of the complete system is less than 45 kg (99 lb).[19] Maximum range is 4,000 m (2.5 mi) and it is used by infantry and light combat vehicles. It adds fiber-optic communication to and from the operator during flight.[20] Reported armour penetration capability is more than 700 mm (28 in) of Rolled homogeneous armour (RHA).[21] It is also deployed in Sentry Tech remotely controlled weapons stations along the Gaza border.[22] In early 2014, Rafael revealed they had increased the range of the Spike-LR to 5.5 km (3.4 mi), enhancing versatility on existing firing platforms and allowing it to be utilized on new ones like light helicopters.[23]
Spike-LR2
Spike LR 2
A new generation of the original Spike-LR is in full-scale development and scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018[needs update]. Spike-LR II (Israeli designation: Gil-2, גיל 2) has a reduced missile weight to 13 kg (29 lb), and a reduced total system weight of 25 kg, increased range of 5.5 km (3.4 mi) at ground level and 10 km (6.2 mi) from helicopters using an RF data-link.[24] Warhead options of tandem HEAT with 30% increased armor penetration or a multipurpose blast warhead with selectable impact or penetration detonation fusing, a new seeker that includes an uncooled IR sensor with a smart target tracker with artificial intelligence features, the ability to fire on grid target coordinates using an inertial measurement unit for third party-target allocation, and is compatible with legacy launchers. The missile is designed with a counter-active protection system (CAPS) capability, being able to hit targets at higher impact angles of up to 70 degrees.[12][25][26] First ordered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in October 2017.[27]
Spike-ER
Spike-ER missiles mounted on a Rafael Typhoon MLS-ER Remote Weapons System onboard an MPAC Mk. III attack boat of the Philippine Navy.
Extended range or extra-long range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: NT-Dandy or NT-D). It has a minimum range of 400 m and a maximum range of 8,000 m (5.0 mi).[28] It has a larger diameter and is heavier than the other systems, and is usually vehicle mounted. It is used by infantry, Light Combat Vehicle (LCVs), and helicopters. The Finnish Navy's Coastal Jaegers and Philippine Navy's Multi-purpose Attack Craft Mk.III also operate this version in the anti-ship role. The weight of the missile is 34 kg (74 lb 15 oz), the launchers are 30 kg (66 lb) and 55 kg (121 lb) respectively for the vehicle and air-launched versions. Penetration is around 1,000 mm (39 in) of RHA.[21]
A maritime version of the Spike-ER, with a stated range of up to 10 kilometres (5.4 nmi) and equipped with an electro-optical guidance system. The deck launcher can hold 4 missiles.[29]
Spike-ER II
In August 2018, Rafael disclosed the development of an enhancement of the missile called the Spike-ER II. It retains the same weight, airframe, surface geometries, and propulsion unit but introduces a two-way RF data-link to increase real-time control to an extended range of 16 km (9.9 mi) from helicopters; it also has an extended fiber optic link to increase range to 10 km (6.2 mi) from land and naval platforms.[30]
Spike NLOS
A Bulgarian Land Forces militarised Land Cruiser 70 with a Spike NLOS Mk. 5 launcher.
"Non Line Of Sight" is an ultra long-range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: Tamuz, תמוז), with a claimed maximum range of 25 km (16 mi). It is a significantly larger missile than other Spike variants, with an overall weight of around 70 kg (150 lb). It can be launched from the ground or from helicopters. It was developed following lessons learned in the Yom Kippur War, which showed a need for a high-precision guided tactical ground-to-ground battlefield missile. The first variants entered service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in tandem with the Pereh missile carrier in 1981, though the existence of both was not revealed to the public until 2011.[31][32][33] The Spike NLOS uses a fiber optic link similar to other Spike versions, but only out to 8 km, after which it employs a radio data link for command guidance.[34]
In 2011 it also became known that in a highly unusual move, the British Army was hastily equipped with the missile for counter-mortar fire, drawn directly from IDF inventory after being exposed to increasing insurgent attacks in Iraq, beginning in 2007 three variants of the NLOS were procured. A total of 600 missiles were acquired, the breakdown being 200 optical camera equipped NLOS MK.2 in 2007, 200 thermal imaging equipped NLOS MK.4 in 2008 for night operations (together with the MK.2 these were known as EXACTOR-1), 200 dual camera equipped NLOS MK.5 (EXACTOR-2) followed in 2009 which featured wings for slower but better maneuvering flight and a multi-purpose warhead replacing the anti-armor warhead of previous versions.[35] For operational security, the codename of 'EXACTOR missile' was assigned in British service and it was initially mounted on launchers atop leased M113 APCs. The MK.2 performed badly being too fast and difficult to control, the M113 overheated in the desert and had a poor resolution camera display that compared unfavorably with its contemporaries.[36] So Britain financed the development of the Mk. 5 known in British service as the EXACTOR 2 which replaced the M113 APC with a towed trailer known as SPARC holding four missiles in a 360-degree rotating turret that could be remotely controlled up to 500 m away[37] ditching the non-standard M113 APCs altogether when in 2010 the batteries were transferred from Iraq to Afghanistan.[38][39]
In a deal concluded on 6 September 2011, the South Korean government had agreed to purchase an unknown number of Mk. 5 Spike NLOS missiles.[40][41]
Rafael is working on expanding the missile's versatility by enhancing the existing EO-IR/CCD seeker with semi-active laser (SAL) capability and different anti-armor, blast-penetration, and high-explosive fragmentation warheads to meet specific applications.[23]
In 2020 the US Army announced its intention to procure Spike NLOS missiles to be mounted on Apache helicopters.[42] A test was conducted in March 2021 where an AH-64E fired a Spike NLOS at a target 32 km (20 mi) away and scored a direct hit.[43]
In June 2022, Rafael unveiled the Spike NLOS 6th generation with range increased to 50 kilometres (31 mi), a salvo feature which can launch up to four missiles at a time, and the ability to hand over control after firing to another platform. It also has a Target Image Acquisition capability that can prioritize important targets for strike, and can be carried by strategic UAVs in the Heron-TP-class.[44][45]
The Israeli Navy uses a maritime version of the Spike NLOS, with a stated range of up to 32 kilometres (17 nmi) and equipped with a dual passive electro-optical guidance system and an infrared imaging camera with image processing capabilities. The deck launcher is available for 8 or 4 missiles.[46][47]
Mini-Spike
On 2 September 2009, at an IDF exhibition held at the third Latrun annual land warfare conference, the Israeli Defense Force unveiled a new member of the Spike family of missiles – the Mini Spike Anti-personnel guided weapon (APGW).[48][49] Rafael claimed that this latest member of the Spike family of missile costs and weighed only a third of the Spike-LR at 4 kg (8.8 lb), while offering a longer engagement range of 1.3–1.5 km (0.81–0.93 mi) when compared to the Spike-SR. It was to introduce new flight modes to enable precision strikes in urban areas, such as flying through windows or attacking an enemy hidden behind defilade or obstacles using non-line-of-sight engagement. Mini Spike would use the same launcher and sight system of the Spike-LR, loading the missile on a special adaptor.[15][50] By 2016, Mini-Spike development had been discontinued.[14]
Aerospike
In May 2022, Rafael unveiled the Aerospike, a version of the Spike-LR II designed to be launched from fixed-wing aircraft. Weighing 14 kg and utilizing the same airframe, EO/IR seekers and warheads as the Spike-LR II, it features longer wings to give it an improved glide ratio for a range of 30 km (19 mi) when launched from 8,200 metres (27,000 ft). The munition does not require GPS to navigate, incorporating scene-matching technology and detection and tracking capabilities. A real-time RF data-link allows for man-in-the-loop operation enabling mid-flight target handover, re-targeting and abort options while also controlling approach angle, azimuth and flight trajectory, achieving accuracy within 3 meters of the target with a HEAT or blast fragmentation warhead. By the time of public announcement, the Aerospike was already in service with unnamed users.[51][52][53]
Missile copies
Almas
Iran received Israeli Spike-MRs captured during the 2006 Lebanon War by Hezbollah.[54] An unlicensed variant that goes by the name of Almas (Persian: الماس).[55] The ATGM was unveiled in public on July 7, 2021.[55] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[56] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[57][58]
On January 25, 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[59] at Shlomi.[60] On January 27, 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[60]
Variants include the Almas-1, an exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[61] The Almas-2 has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[61] The Almas-3 is a clone of the Spike-ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type.[61]
Spike-LR missiles since 2016 as part of CANSOFCOM.[68] In December 2023, Canada announced the purchase of Spike-LR II missiles to equip the Canadian Brigade in Latvia.[69]
Croatia has ordered Spike LRII launchers for its Patria AMV vehicles that are in the IFV configuration. Croatia has plans to increase the number of Patria AMV IFVs from the current number of 9 to 16. With 7 vehicles being newly purchased. Therefore additional orders of Spike missles were made.[72][73] Spike SR/MR Missiles are being ruled out as Croatian army opted for Javelin missile to equip its infantry formations.[74][75]
Total 900 missiles, breakdown being 300 Spike-MR, 200 Spike-LR with the remaining 400 being Spike-ER.[35] 100 MR (Panssarintorjuntaohjusjärjestelmä 2000) launchers plus an option for 70 more, and 18 ER (Rannikko-ohjus 2006) launchers for coastal anti-ship use.[82] Also Spike-LR missiles as a newer purchase.[83][clarification needed] In December 2022 Finland ordered additional Spike SR, LR2 and ER2 missiles for 223.6 MEUR.[84]
As of August 2023, the Bundeswehr ordered 4426 Spike-LR, 179 launcher units for the infantry, and the launchers for the 350 Puma.
2008, contract with EuroSpike to integrate the Spike-LR MELLS to the Puma IFV
2009, framework agreement for 311 ICLU with Rafael and Eurospike as the Spike is also selected to be used by Infantry detached personal, special forces and to be mounted on a tripod temporarily on the Puma IFV until its full system integration (€35 million) [85]
December 2011, 1,160 MELLS missiles ordered (€119.3 million) [86]
March 2017, €158.4 million order which includes [86]
1,000 MELLS missiles (€112.4 million)
97 launcher units (€25.6 million, 214 ICLU remaining from the initial framework agreement)
Integration to Bundeswehr's laser based training and simulation system AGDUS (€20.3 million)
November 2019, framework agreement with EuroSpike GmbH for 11,500 missiles, 214 launcher units, storage containers. Out of the agreement, the orders include:
Defense News reported that the Indian Army wanted to order Spike missiles and peripheral equipment in a $1 billion deal. Indian Ministry of Defence officials told the magazine that the order is for 321 launchers, 8,356 missiles, 15 training simulators, and peripheral equipment.[92][93][94] In October 2014, India chose to buy the Spike over the U.S. Javelin.[95] India's state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited will be the systems integrator for the missiles with major work share for manufacture to be handled by Bharat Dynamics and Kalyani Group.[96] On 20 November 2017, it was announced that the deal was cancelled due to lack of transfer of technology. The DRDO has been instructed to produce an indigenous missile.[97][98][99] However, Indian media sources have reported that the contract will proceed as part of a restructured government to government agreement.[100] In April 2019, following the 2019 border skirmishes with Pakistan, the Indian Army approved an emergency purchase of 240 Spike MR missiles and 12 launchers to meet immediate requirements,[101] which were inducted into service in early October 2019.[102][clarification needed]
Unlicensed clone as Almas. Reverse engineered Spike-MR with modifications. Originally captured by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War and given to Iran.[103]
Total 1,490 Spike-LR and 750 Spike-ER missiles (with associated launchers and training systems), Spike-LR are for use on Dardo IFV, Freccia IFV and VTLM Lince while Spike-ER are for use by AH-129 Mangusta attack helicopters.[35] In July 2023, a contract for €143 million running from 2023 to 2030 was passed to supply Spike LR2 to the Italian Army and the Navy.[104]
Total 2,400+ Spike-MR missiles (including 297 launchers and associated training systems) ordered in 2001, deliveries began in 2006 and was completed by 2011.[35] A total of 237 launchers and 1,974 missiles was assigned to the Royal Netherlands Army, while the remaining 60 launchers and 459 missiles was assigned to the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.[114] The first weapon was actually issued in 2004 to the Regiment van Heutsz.[115]
A total of 2,675 Spike-LR missiles (with 264 launchers and training systems) were ordered in 2003 in a deal worth $425 million with deliveries completed by 2013.[35] A follow-up order of 800 more Spike-LR missiles for use on Rosomak IFVs, in a deal including local production in Poland, was placed in 2015 with deliveries between 2019 and 2022.[35]
Total 3,000 missiles; breakdown being 2,000 Spike-LR (for use on MLI-84M IFVs) with the remaining 1,000 being Spike-ER (for use on IAR 330 SOCAT attack helicopters).[35] An unspecified number of portable Spike-LR are also in service.[121]
In 1999, Singapore became the second country to acquire the Spike ATGM.[122] Total 1,500 Spike-LR missiles (with associated launchers and training systems) received between 2001 and 2006.[35] Between 2017 and 2018, another 500 Spike-SR was received as the new generation anti-tank guided missile for its infantry battalions.[123][124] Spikes variants are produced locally by ST Engineering. The Hunter AFV of the Singapore Army is equipped with a twin tube pop-up launcher. There has been further orders for the Spike-LR II for use on the Hunter AFV and infantry units.
Spike-MR/LR has been in operational use in the Slovenian Armed Forces since 2009.[127] Total 75 missiles. Some will be on Patria AMVs.[citation needed] In September 2022, EuroSpike was awarded a $6.6 million contract to supply 50 Spike LR2s.[128]
The Swiss Armed Forces selected the Spike LR-II as its long-range anti-tank guided missile system for ground troops in 2023. It will replace the TOW ATGM.[129]
Under a deal reached in 2020, the Royal Thai Army took delivery of the Spike-MR missiles and launchers.[130] Spike-MR was a contender along with Javelin.[131]
Total 2,630 Spike-LR (including 260 launchers and associated training systems) and 200 Spike-ER missiles (for use by Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters).[35] A total of 236 launchers and 2,360 Spike-LR missiles was assigned to the Spanish Army, while the remaining 24 launchers and 240 missiles was assigned to the Spanish Marines.[82]
600 Spike-NLOS missiles were procured by the British Army, the exact breakdown being 200 NLOS MK.2, 200 NLOS MK.4 and 200 NLOS MK.5 ordered in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. In British service it has the name 'Exactor'.[35][38][39][82][135][page needed]
The Spike was offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as a possible contender in the US Army JAWS missile program in 1996.[136] In January 2020, the Army revealed it would field the Spike NLOS on AH-64 Apache helicopters as an interim solution to acquire a longer range stand-off weapon.[137]
In February 2001, the British MoD awarded two contracts valued at $8.8 million for a year-long assessment of the Javelin and Spike-MR. The Spike was being offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems teamed with Matra BAe Dynamics, while the Javelin was being offered by a team of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The UK would like to field a lightweight antitank missile system for its Joint Rapid Reaction Force by 2005. In February 2003, the British MoD selected the Javelin.[136]
^"Ecuadorean Army OrBat" (Press release) (in Spanish). Ecuadorean Army. 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
^Nicholas, Fiorenza (13 February 2018). "Latvia orders Spike". IHS Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
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