HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Spike (
Hebrew Hebrew (; ''ʿÎbrit'') is a Northwest Semitic languages, Northwest Semitic language within the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family. A regional dialect of the Canaanite languages, it was natively spoken by the Israelites and ...
: ספייק) is an Israeli
fire-and-forget Fire-and-forget is a type of missile guidance which does not require further external intervention after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance, and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the tar ...
anti-tank guided missile An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), anti-tank missile, anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily armored military vehicles. ATGMs range in size from shoulde ...
and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. , it is in its sixth generation. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. () is an Israeli Defense contractor, defense technology company. It was founded as Israel's National R&D Defense Laboratory for the development of weapons and military technology within the Ministry of Defens ...
. It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, helicopter-launched and maritime variants. 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); 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

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 A soft launch, also known as a soft opening, is a preview release of a product or service to a limited audience prior to the general public. Soft-launching a product is sometimes used to gather data or customer feedback, prior to making it wi ...
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 Milan ( , , ; ) is a city in northern Italy, regional capital of Lombardy, the largest city in Italy by urban area and the List of cities in Italy, second-most-populous city proper in Italy after Rome. The city proper has a population of nea ...
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 . 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 carrier An armoured personnel carrier (APC) is a broad type of armoured military vehicle designed to transport personnel and equipment in combat zones. Since World War I, APCs have become a very common piece of military equipment around the world. Acc ...
s or utility vehicles. Vehicles that are not normally fitted with anti-tank weapons can therefore be given anti-tank capability. Spike has been tested as a weapon system for the SAGEM Sperwer
unmanned aerial vehicle An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft with no human pilot, crew, or passengers onboard, but rather is controlled remotely or is autonomous.De Gruyter Handbook of Dron ...
. The
Spanish Army The Spanish Army () is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest Standing army, active armies – dating back to the late 15th century. The Spanish Army has existed ...
has fitted the Spike ER to its Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters. Both Israel and the United States have experimented with arming Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with the Spike missile; the US variant is used in UH-60M Battlehawk helicopters.


Marketing

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. The missiles were also marketed and produced under license in Singapore by
ST Engineering ST Engineering, is a global technology, defence and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses across the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. Headquartered in Singapore, the group reported a revenue of ov ...
. For other areas of the world, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is solely responsible. 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.


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 , , , and respectively.


Integrated Control Launch Unit (ICLU)

They are used for the newer variants LR2 and ER2 variants.


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.


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.Rafael Unveils a Light, Affordable Member of the Spike Missile Family
- Defense-Update.com, 14 February 2012
The missile is for a disposable munition for use at
platoon A platoon is a Military organization, military unit typically composed of two to four squads, Section (military unit), sections, or patrols. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the Military branch, branch, but a platoon can ...
-level whose minimum range is and whose maximum range is . It is equipped with a stiff-necked uncooled electro-optical infrared seeker and advanced tracker, as opposed to the
gimbal A gimbal is a pivoted support that permits rotation of an object about an axis. A set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal pivot axes, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain independent of ...
led seeker in the Spike MR/LR/ER versions. 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.Enhancing The New Spike Family
- Defense-Update.com, 31 December 2010
The warhead can either be a multi-purpose tandem shaped-charge warhead with blast-fragmentation effect 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. In May 2016 Rafael concluded deliveries of Spike SR to its first export customer, later revealed to be the Singapore Armed Forces to replace the Carl Gustaf M2.


Spike MR

The medium range version (Israeli designation: NT-Gil). The weight of the missile is , its minimum range is 200 m, while its maximum range is . It is used by infantry and special forces.


Spike LR

Long range version (Israeli designation: ''NT-Spike''). The weight of the missile is , and the weight of the complete system is less than . Maximum range is and it is used by infantry and light combat vehicles. It adds fiber-optic communication to and from the operator during flight. Reported armour penetration capability is more than of Rolled homogeneous armour (RHA). It is also deployed in Sentry Tech remotely controlled weapons stations along the Gaza border. In early 2014, Rafael revealed they had increased the range of the Spike LR to , enhancing versatility on existing firing platforms and allowing it to be utilized on new ones like light helicopters.


Spike LR2

A new generation of the original Spike LR is in full-scale development and scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018. Spike LR2 (Israeli designation: Gil-2, גיל 2) has a reduced missile weight to , and a reduced total system weight of 25 kg, increased range of at ground level and from helicopters using an RF data-link. 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 Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer, computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of re ...
features, the ability to fire on grid target coordinates using an
inertial measurement unit An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is an electronic device that measures and reports a body's specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the Orientation (geometry), orientation of the body, using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, an ...
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.Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveils its fifth generation SPIKE LR II Missile
- Armyrecognition.com, 29 May 2017
First ordered by the
Israel Defense Forces The Israel Defense Forces (IDF; , ), alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym (), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and ...
(IDF) in October 2017.


Spike ER

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 . 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 The Finnish Navy ( , ) is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The navy employs 2,300 people and about 4,300 conscripts are trained each year. Finnish Navy vessels are given the ship prefix "FNS", short for "Finnish Navy ship", but ...
'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 , the launchers are and respectively for the vehicle and air-launched versions. Penetration is around of RHA. A maritime version of the Spike ER, with a stated range of up to and equipped with an electro-optical guidance system. The deck launcher can hold 4 missiles.


Spike ER2

In August 2018, Rafael disclosed the development of an enhancement of the missile called the Spike ER2. 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 from helicopters; it also has an extended fiber optic link to increase range to from land and naval platforms.


Spike NLOS

"Non Line Of Sight" is an ultra long-range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: Tamuz, תמוז), with a claimed maximum range of . It is a significantly larger missile than other Spike variants, with an overall weight of around . It can be launched from the ground or from helicopters. It was developed following lessons learned in the
Yom Kippur War The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War, the October War, the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, or the Fourth Arab–Israeli War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab world, Arab states led by Egypt and S ...
, 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 The Israel Defense Forces (IDF; , ), alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym (), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and ...
(IDF) in tandem with the Pereh missile carrier in 1981, though the existence of both was not revealed to the public until 2011. 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. 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 NLOS 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. 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 NLOS 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. So Britain financed the development of the NLOS 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 ditching the non-standard M113 APCs altogether when in 2010 the batteries were transferred from Iraq to Afghanistan. In a deal concluded on 6 September 2011, the South Korean government had agreed to purchase an unknown number of Spike NLOS Mk.5 missiles.8 September 2011, . Retrieved 13 October 2011. 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. In 2020 the US Army announced its intention to procure Spike NLOS missiles to be mounted on Apache helicopters. A test was conducted in March 2021 where an AH-64E fired a Spike NLOS at a target away and scored a direct hit. In June 2022, Rafael unveiled the Spike NLOS 6th generation with range increased to , 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. The
Israeli Navy The Israeli Navy (, ''Ḥeil HaYam HaYisraeli'', ; ) is the Israel Defense Forces#Arms, naval warfare service arm of the Israel Defense Forces, operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea theater as well as the Gulf of Eilat and the Red Sea th ...
uses a maritime version of the Spike NLOS, with a stated range of up to 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.


Mini Spike

On 2 September 2009, at an IDF exhibition held at the third Latrun annual land warfare conference, the Israeli Defense Force unveiled the Mini Spike Anti-personnel guided weapon (APGW). Rafael claimed that this missile costs and weighed only a third of the Spike LR at , while offering a longer engagement range of 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. By 2016, Mini Spike development had been discontinued.


Aerospike

In May 2022, Rafael unveiled the Aerospike, a version of the Spike LR2 designed to be launched from fixed-wing aircraft. Weighing 14 kg and utilizing the same airframe, EO/IR seekers and warheads as the Spike LR2, it features longer wings to give it an improved glide ratio for a range of when launched from . 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.


Missile copies


Almas

Iran received some Israeli Spike MR that were captured during the
2006 Lebanon War The 2006 Lebanon War was a 34-day armed conflict in Lebanon, fought between Hezbollah and Israel. The war started on 12 July 2006, and continued until a United Nations-brokered ceasefire went into effect in the morning on 14 August 2006, thoug ...
by Hezbollah. These were reverse-engineered into an unlicensed variant of the Spike family that goes by the name of Almas (). The ATGM was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021. It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia. On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost at Shlomi. On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.


Integration to vehicles and systems


Australia


Vehicle integration

Boxer CRV: * Order of the Spike LR2 for 133 CRV in 2023. The combat reconnaissance vehicle is equipped with a Rheinmetall Lance turret, which integrates a launcher with 2 MELLS missiles. K21 Redback * 129 IFV ordered and to be equipped with a double Spike LR2 launcher on its turret.


Denmark


Vehicle integration

Eagle V * Number purchased has not been disclosed mounted in
Kongsberg Kongsberg () is a historical mining town and municipality in Buskerud county, Norway. The city is located on the river Numedalslågen at the entrance to the valley of Numedal. Kongsberg has been a centre of silver mining, arms production and fo ...
Protector RWS


Future vehicle integration

Piranha V * Number purchased has not been disclosed mounted in
Kongsberg Kongsberg () is a historical mining town and municipality in Buskerud county, Norway. The city is located on the river Numedalslågen at the entrance to the valley of Numedal. Kongsberg has been a centre of silver mining, arms production and fo ...
Protector RWS ready for 2025 CV90 * A total of 44 older CV90 Mk III are to receive the MLU update featuring the D-Series turret with integrated Spike LR2. Upgraded expected to run between 2025 and 2029 * Additional order of 115 CV90s with D-Series turrets delivery estimated to run between 2026 and 2029


Germany


System integration

* March 2017, contract to integrate the Spike LR (MELLS) to the AGDUS system (Bundeswehr's laser based training and simulation system) for €20.3 million.


Vehicle integration

Spz Puma * December 2008, contract to integrate and prototype the double MELLS launcher on two Puma for €18 million. * February 2009, contract to develop the double launcher on the turret of the Puma further for €68 million. * Contracts to bring the Puma to the S1 standard, among which integrates the MELLS double launcher to the fleet: ** 2018, upgrade of 40 Puma. ** June 2021, upgrade of 154 Puma. ** April 2023, upgrade of 143 Puma. Marder 1A5 * 2017, integration of MELLS mounts to replace the MILAN missile. Wiesel 1 AWC - MELLS (weapon carrier), entered service in 2022: * Upgrade of 60 Wiesel 1 TOW that were equipped with the
BGM-71 TOW The BGM-71 TOW ("Tube-launched, Optically tracked, wire-guided missile, Wire-guided", pronounced ) is an American anti-tank missile. TOW replaced much smaller missiles like the SS.10 and ENTAC, offering roughly twice the effective range, a more ...
missile to a new standard which integrates the MELLS missile on a mount.


Aircraft integration

* Airbus H-Force equipped with the Spike ER2, can be adapted to the H125M, H145M, H225M.


Future vehicle integration

GTK Boxer * March 2024, contract for 123 Boxer CRV equipped with a Rheinmetall Lance turret, which integrates a launcher with 2 MELLS missiles. * Plan to order 148 wheeled IFV equipped with the KNDS RCT-30 turret (same as the Spz Puma), two potential MELLS launchers were presented to the Bundeswehr.


Italy


Potential vehicle integration

Freccia: * Freccia EVO Combat, to be equipped with a remote Hitfist OWS turret with 30 mm
autocannon An autocannon, automatic cannon or machine cannon is a automatic firearm, fully automatic gun that is capable of rapid-firing large-caliber ( or more) armour-piercing, explosive or incendiary ammunition, incendiary shell (projectile), shells, ...
and a Spike LR2 missile. * 120 Freccia EVO Reconnaissance, to be equipped with a remote Hitfist OWS turret with 30 mm
autocannon An autocannon, automatic cannon or machine cannon is a automatic firearm, fully automatic gun that is capable of rapid-firing large-caliber ( or more) armour-piercing, explosive or incendiary ammunition, incendiary shell (projectile), shells, ...
and a Spike LR2 missile launcher, plus a Janus sensor mast.


Israel


Future UAV integration

* Golden Eagle HS (Heavy Strike), a 50 kg rotary UAS (unmanned aerial system) by Steadicopter that can be equipped with the Spike SR and the Spike LR2.


Netherlands


Vehicle integration

CV90: * Integrated in the CV90 MK IIIs D-Series turret


Poland


Vehicle integration

Infantry fighting vehicle An infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), also known as a mechanized infantry combat vehicle (MICV), is a type of armoured fighting vehicle and armoured personnel carrier used to carry infantry into battle and provide direct fire, direct-fire suppo ...
s on order, to be equipped with a launch container for 2 Spike LR missiles on the right of the ZSSW-30 turret: * 128 KTO Rosomak ** 70 ordered in 2022 ** 58 ordered in July 2024 * 174 KTO Rosomak-L ordered in July 2024


Potential vehicle integration

Infantry fighting vehicle An infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), also known as a mechanized infantry combat vehicle (MICV), is a type of armoured fighting vehicle and armoured personnel carrier used to carry infantry into battle and provide direct fire, direct-fire suppo ...
s planned to be equipped with a launch container for 2 Spike LR missiles on the right of the ZSSW-30 turret: * BWP Borsuk (unknown quantity in IFV variant yet.) * Heavy IFV, up to 700 planned, based on the chassis of the K9 Thunder.


Spain


Vehicle integration

Piranha V (Dragon VCR): * 40 of the 219 in the VCR variant (an
armoured fighting vehicle An armoured fighting vehicle (British English) or armored fighting vehicle (American English) (AFV) is an armed combat vehicle protected by vehicle armour, armour, generally combining operational mobility with Offensive (military), offensive a ...
) will be equipped with a Guardian 30 turret (by Escribano) that has a retractable launcher for 2 Spike LR2 missiles.


Aircraft integration

* EC-665 Tiger HAD/HAP


Potential vehicle integration

Piranha V (Dragon VCR) from the first order: * 58 Dragon VEC (reconnaissance) * 14 Dragon VCR-PC (company command post)


Operational use


Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

Azerbaijan used Spike missiles on
Armenia Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of West Asia. It is a part of the Caucasus region and is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia (country), Georgia to the north and Azerbaijan to ...
n
T-72 The T-72 is a family of Soviet Union, Soviet main battle tanks that entered production in 1973. The T-72 was a development based on the T-64 using thought and design of the previous Object 167M. About 25,000 T-72 tanks have been built, and refu ...
tanks during Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.


2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip

During the 2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Navy attacked
Hamas The Islamic Resistance Movement, abbreviated Hamas (the Arabic acronym from ), is a Palestinian nationalist Sunni Islam, Sunni Islamism, Islamist political organisation with a military wing, the Qassam Brigades. It has Gaza Strip under Hama ...
targets on the Gaza Strip coastline using Spike NLOS missiles. Reports state that the IDF used Spike missiles fired by a Hermes 450 drone to target an armed militant travelling in a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza; the militant had already left the vehicle and the resulting strike killed seven WCK aid workers.


Operators


Current and future operators

;: Spike LR2 selected by the Australian Army in 2018 :* LAND 159, for dismounted infantry :* LAND 400-2, equipping the 211 Boxer CRV with LANCE turret :* LAND 400-3, equipping the 129 K21 Redback Australia is also considering plans to domestically manufacture Spike missiles. ;: Total 350 Spike LR and 250 Spike NLOS missiles, some of which are mounted on the Plasan Sand Cat, and Mil Mi-17. ;: 240 Spike MR and Spike LR missiles ordered in 2013, delivery completed in 2015. ;: Unspecified number of Spike NLOS Mk.5 launchers procured. Seen in public for the first time at HEMUS 2022. ;: 100 Spike LR2 missiles ordered in November 2021 with 10 launchers and 10 simulators, delivered in 2024. ;: Spike LR missiles since 2016 as part of CANSOFCOM. In December 2023, Canada announced the purchase of Spike LR2 missiles to equip the Canadian Brigade in Latvia. In December 2024 the DND confirmed that the majority of the first batch of missiles received did not function properly during testing. ;: Total 2,200 Spike MR, Spike LR and Spike ER missiles, for use on modernised Marder IFVs. ;: Total of 85 Spike LR and ER, and 110 Spike NLOS missiles. that arm the
Colombian Air Force The Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC, ) is the air force of the Republic of Colombia. The Colombian Aerospace Force is one of the three institutions of the Military Forces of Colombia charged, according to the 1991 Constitution, with working to exe ...
's fleet of Sikorsky AH-60L Arpía IV helicopters. ; :The Croatian Army purchased launchers capable of launching the Spike LR for 9 Patria AMV IFV, later on, an additional order for 7 IFV was made. The missiles were ordered separately.
Note: the dismounted infantry troops use the
Javelin A javelin is a light spear designed primarily to be thrown, historically as a ranged weapon. Today, the javelin is predominantly used for sporting purposes such as the javelin throw. The javelin is nearly always thrown by hand, unlike the sling ...
. ;: Several Spike LR2 launchers to be fitted onto 60 ENOK AB's. ;: Total of 500 Spike LR missiles, for use on Pandur II IFVs. ;:The Spike LR 2 has been integrated in the Royal Danish Army since 2021 and deliveries are planned until 2025. Used on Eagle V while planned for Piranaha V and CV90 :* ;: 18 iCLU launchers bought from EuroSpike GmbH for the Spike LR2, and more than 500 Spike SR systems purchased in 2022. ;: Missiles ordered: :*300 Spike MR :*200 Spike LR :*400 Spike ER :*Additional Spike SR, LR2, ER2 ordered in December 2022 for a value of €223.6 million. :Launchers ordered: :*100 CLU (''Panssarintorjuntaohjusjärjestelmä 2000'') launchers plus an option for 70 more :*18 ER (''Rannikko-ohjus 2006'') launchers for coastal anti-ship use. ; : Purchased by the German Army to replace the
BGM-71 TOW The BGM-71 TOW ("Tube-launched, Optically tracked, wire-guided missile, Wire-guided", pronounced ) is an American anti-tank missile. TOW replaced much smaller missiles like the SS.10 and ENTAC, offering roughly twice the effective range, a more ...
and
MILAN Milan ( , , ; ) is a city in northern Italy, regional capital of Lombardy, the largest city in Italy by urban area and the List of cities in Italy, second-most-populous city proper in Italy after Rome. The city proper has a population of nea ...
missiles. As of October 2024, 525 iCLU launcher units (integrated Control Launch Unit) were ordered and 4,326 MELLS missiles (Spike LR), and an unknown number of Spike LR2 missiles. : Detailed orders of the German Army: :* June 2009, 311 iCLU launcher units for the MELLS missile ordered for €35 million and there is an option for 1,160 missiles as part of the contract. :* December 2011, 1,160 MELLS missiles ordered as per the option of the 2009 contract (€119.3 million). :* March 2017, 1,000 MELLS missiles (€112.4 million) and 97 iCLU launcher units (€25.6 million) ordered. :* November 2019, framework agreement for up to 11,500 MELLS missiles and 214 iCLU launcher units: Firm orders within this framework agreement: :** November 2019, 1,500 MELLS missiles and 132 iCLU launcher units ordered. :** March 2021, 666 MELLS missiles and 82 iCLU launcher units ordered for €88 million. :** September 2024, unknown number of MELLS LR2 (Spike LR2) missiles for €700 million. ;: In April 2023, Greece ordered 17 Spike NLOS systems on 4×4 vehicles, plus more on 9 AH-64 Apache helicopters and 4 Machitis-class gunboats. ;: The Spike LR2 will equip the IFV variant of the KF-41 Lynx, equipped with the Rheinmetall LANCE turret. ;: Orders: :* In October 2014, India selected the Spike missile over the Javelin missile. The deal was planned for around USD $1 billion, including 321 CLU missiles, 8,356 missiles, 15 simulators and peripheral equipment. It was planned that Bharat Dynamics Limited would be the systems integrator for the missiles with major work share for manufacture to be handled by Bharat Dynamics and Kalyani Group. 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. However, Indian media sources have reported that the contract will proceed as part of a restructured government to government agreement. :* 12 launchers and 240 Spike MR missiles ordered urgently by the Indian Army in April 2019, following the 2019 border skirmishes with Pakistan. The first missiles entered service in early October 2019. :* In 2023, India announced that it would integrate the Spike NLOS to the Mil Mi-17 V5 attack helicopter. ;: The Spike NLOS (''Tammuz'') was introduced into service in the early 1980s. :In 1997, the Spike MR (''Gil''), LR (''Gomed''), ER (''Perakh Bar'') with associated launchers entered service. ;: Orders: :* 2004 - equipment for the infantry: :** 53 CLU launchers ordered :*** 21 installed on the VLTM Lince :*** 32 for the infantry troops :** 510 missiles: :*** 165 Spike MR :*** 345 Spike LR :* 2009 - order for the 36 VBM Freccia controcarro: :** 84 iCLU launchers :** 870 Spike LR :** 63 simulators :* Spike ER missile selected for the Agusta A129D Mangusta in 2010, operational since 2014. :** 32 launcher systems TOPLITE III + 16 in option :** 800 Spike ER were ordered :*2020 framework agreement, in a mutual agreement with Israel who would buy AW-119KX helicopters. Order: :**Missiles :***600 Spike LR2 with anti-tank warhead :***200 Spike LR2 with multi-purpose warhead :**Launchers: :***126 iCLU launchers :**Simulators :***14 indoor simulators :***14 outdoor simulators :***20 mechanical trainer iCLU :***20 mechanical trainer round LR2 ;: Operated by the Peshmerga, might have been funded by Italy or Germany, or could have been directly from Israel.International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance, 2017 ;: 12 Spike LR received. Additional order in February 2018.: In June 2025, Latvia signed a contract with EuroSpike for €81 million. The delivery is planned for 2028. The contract is likely for Spike LR2. ;: Total 1,000 Spike LR missiles delivered, for use on Boxer armored vehicles. ; :* Spike MR ''"GILL"'', selected in June 2001, ordered in August 2001, first delivery in 2004: :** 297 CLU launchers :** 2,400 Spike MR missiles :* 85 Spike LR received in 2017 and 2018, for the reconnaissance forces (transported by the Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig and the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle), using the existing launchers. :* Spike LR2 and iCLU launchers approved by the parliament in September 2024, to be ordered in October 2024 and enter service in 2026. They were ordered as a successor to the Spike MR and to equip the modernised CV9035NL MLU with its new D-series turret. The number of missiles and launchers to be ordered is unknown ;: Total 516 Spike LR and 175 Spike ER missiles with 48 launchers. ;: The Philippine Navy operates the Spike ER and Spike NLOS variants of the missile. The Spike ER is deployed on board the missile-capable versions of the Multipurpose Assault Craft. The Spike NLOS variants are deployed on board the AW159 Wildcat helicopters and Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft. ;: 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. A follow-up order of 800 more Spike LR missiles for use on the Rosomak IFV, in a deal including local production in Poland, was placed in 2015 with deliveries between 2019 and 2022. ;: Total 3,000 missiles; breakdown being 2,000 Spike LR (for use on MLI-84 M1 IFV) with the remaining 1,000 being Spike ER (for use on IAR 330 SOCAT attack helicopters). An unspecified number of portable Spike LR launchers are also in service. ;: In 1999, Singapore became the second country to acquire the Spike ATGM. Total 1,500 Spike LR missiles (with associated launchers and training systems) received between 2001 and 2006. Between 2017 and 2018, another 500 Spike SR was received as the new generation anti-tank guided missile for its infantry battalions. Spikes variants are produced locally by
ST Engineering ST Engineering, is a global technology, defence and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses across the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. Headquartered in Singapore, the group reported a revenue of ov ...
. 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 2 for use on the Hunter AFV and infantry units. ;: Spike LR2 (100 missiles, 10 launchers). ;: The Spike MR and Spike LR have been in operational use in the Slovenian Armed Forces since 2009. Total 75 missiles. In September 2022, EuroSpike was awarded a $6.6 million contract to supply 50 Spike LR2. ;: The Swiss Armed Forces selected the Spike LR2 as its long-range anti-tank guided missile system for ground troops in 2023. It will replace the TOW ATGM. ;: A South Korean government deal concluded on 6 September 2011 confirmed the procurement of unspecified numbers of Spike NLOS, of which about 50 missiles will be forward deployed to the South Korean islands of Baengnyeongdo and Yeonpyeongdo, close to the Northern Limit Line with North Korea. On 19 May 2013 the South Korean military confirmed that "dozens" of Spike missiles had been deployed on the islands. The Republic of Korea Navy will also deploy the Spike NLOS on AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopters, and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps has the Spike NLOS mounted on Plasan Sand Cat light vehicle. ;: Under a deal reached in 2020, the Royal Thai Army took delivery of the Spike MR missiles and launchers. Spike-MR was a contender along with Javelin. ;: 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'. ;: The Spike was offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as a possible contender in the
US Army The United States Army (USA) is the primary land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of the United Stat ...
JAWS missile program in 1996. 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.


Contract cancellation

; : Total 2,630 Spike LR (including 260 launchers and associated training systems) and 200 Spike ER missiles (for use by Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters). A total of 236 launchers and 2,360 Spike LR missiles was assigned to the
Spanish Army The Spanish Army () is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest Standing army, active armies – dating back to the late 15th century. The Spanish Army has existed ...
, while the remaining 24 launchers and 240 missiles was assigned to the Spanish Marines.: In June 2025, the Spanish government announced having cancelled the contract due to a disagreement with the Israeli military actions in Gaza.


Evaluations

;: In January 1998, a partnership arrangement was announced between
Israel Aerospace Industries Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI; ), is Israel's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 14,000 employees as of 2021. IAI is state-owned by the government ...
and
Kamov JSC Kamov () is a rotorcraft Aerospace manufacturer, manufacturing company based in Lyubertsy, Russia. The Kamov Design Bureau (OKB, design office prefix Ka) has more recently specialised in compact helicopters with coaxial rotors, suitable for ...
to market the Kamov Ka-50-2 attack helicopter in Turkish competition. One of the optional armaments being offered for the Ka-50-2 was the Spike ER missile. Eventually, Ka-50-2 lost to TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. Turkey has also examined the use of Rafael Overhead Weapon Station with Spike for its
Otokar Cobra The Cobra () is a armoured tactical vehicle developed by Turkish firm Otokar. The vehicle has some subsystems from the Humvee. The Cobra is the first generation of the Cobra family of vehicles, a second generation named Otokar Cobra II is also pr ...
light armored vehicles. ;: 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 The Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American Arms industry, defense and aerospace manufacturer with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta on March 15, 1995. It is headquartered in North ...
and
Raytheon Raytheon is a business unit of RTX Corporation and is a major U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation with manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. Founded in 1922, it merged in 2020 with Unite ...
. 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.


Failed bids

; : A total of 2 Spike LR launchers would be fitted on Portuguese Marine Corps Pandur II IFV APC's, but the program was cancelled due to problems between the Portuguese government,
Steyr-Daimler-Puch Steyr-Daimler-Puch () was a large manufacturing conglomerate based in Steyr, Austria, which was broken up in stages between 1987 and 2001. The component parts and operations continued to exist under separate ownership and new names. History Th ...
and Fabrequipa (local Pandur II manufacturer).


See also

* * * * * * * * *


References


External links


Official website – Rafael Advanced Defence System, for worldwide marketing








* ttps://www.rafael.co.il/worlds/land/spike-5th-gen-precision-guided-tactical-missiles/ Rafael Spike Missile ;Video links * * * * * by Finnish Coastal Jäger troops of the
Finnish Navy The Finnish Navy ( , ) is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The navy employs 2,300 people and about 4,300 conscripts are trained each year. Finnish Navy vessels are given the ship prefix "FNS", short for "Finnish Navy ship", but ...
* * {{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Anti-tank guided missiles of Israel Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Television guided weapons Military equipment introduced in the 1980s Fire-and-forget weapons