Rafael's Spike anti-tank missiles now reach 2,000 meters
Designed as a fully disposable munition launched from an operator's shoulder, the missile carries a powerful High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead.
By ANNA AHRONHEIMSoldier tests SPIKE SR (short range) anti-tank missile(photo credit: RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS)
Israeli defense company Rafael has expanded the range of its Spike SR (short-range) precision-guided anti-tank missiles to 2,000 meters.During a series of tests in the Negev Desert in the South, the operators successfully hit targets located 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) away, a range formerly covered only by heavier ATGMs.The increase in range allows for a greater standoff distance to enhance the survival capabilities of maneuvering infantry troops in enemy territory who need armor-penetration weaponry.The portable Spike SR was designed for maneuvering forces. Weighing 9.6 kg. (21 lbs), it previously had a range of 50-1,500 m. Designed as a fully disposable munition launched from an operator’s shoulder, the missile carries a powerful High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, joined with a frontal precursor for clearing of ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) tiles.“We are very proud of this small missile, which proved to be as lethal as other large caliber missiles – with great agility for the war fighter due to its light weight, as well as its ability to act rapidly within six seconds from cold start, engaging fast moving targets – highly demanded capabilities in today’s warfare,” said Gal Papier, director of marketing and business development at Rafael’s Precision Tactical Weapon Systems directorate.The IDF purchased thousands of specially customized Spike SR rocket launchers for its infantry forces in 2018, with a reduced weight of 40% to provide greater flexibility to troops in the field during land maneuvers.According to a report in Ynet, the project to specially customize the missile was based on lessons learned by the military during Operation Protective Edge and on the changing nature of battlefields in future wars.Meant for platoon-level use, the Spike SR has unique operational characteristics that allow for troops to easily and quickly transport it manually in a variety of operational and environmental scenarios. The short time needed to power up the launcher to operational readiness enables operators to engage with targets that are exposed for only brief moments, allowing for precise and lethal hits.First released by Rafael in 2012, there are four missiles in the Spike family: Spike NLOS, Spike ER, Spike MR/LR and Spike SR. Spike SR is the smallest and lightest variant of Rafael’s Spike missile family and is being used by several nations, including some within NATO.
According to Rafael, the entire Spike family is now operational in 34 nations, including the UK, Germany, South Korea and India. More than 33,000 rounds have been produced and supplied and as many as 45 different platforms integrated, including attack helicopters, ground vehicles, marine vessels and more.
