New Delhi (NVI): Israeli defence manufacturer Rafael recently tested its newly-designed SPIKE SR (Short Range), a lightweight, more manoeuvrable precision-guided missile system for infantry forces, that can hit targets located 2 km away, a range formerly covered only by heavier ATGMs.
The weapon system was demonstrated in a recent series of tests in southern Israel’s Negev Desert, where it proved its unique lethal capability, Israel Defense magazine reported.
SPIKE SR is an electro-optical guided missile designed for shoulder launch by infantry. It is the smallest and lightest variant of the SPIKE Missile family, weighing only 10 kg, in use today by several nations, including within NATO.
Spike SR was designed for manoeuvring forces, allowing standoff engagement ranges of 2 kilometres, formerly covered only by heavier ATGMs (Anti Tank Guided Missiles). Designed as a portable, fully disposable munition, the Spike SR carries a powerful High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, as well as a frontal precursor for clearing of ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) tiles.
Gal Papier, director of marketing and business development at Rafael’s Precision Tactical Weapon Systems directorate told Israel Defence Magazine, “We are very proud of this small missile, which proved to be as lethal as other large calibre missiles, with great agility for the warfighter due to its lightweight, 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”.
The Spike missile systems are now operational in 34 nations, with more than 33,000 rounds produced and supplied, and as many as 45 different platforms integrated, including attack helicopters, ground vehicles, marine vessels and more.
