Major small tactical missile advantage for infrantry

Late last year (2016), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems hosted a group of 15 delegations from countries around the world (including Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and others) for an international SPIKE SR demonstration, Rafael’s short range precise tactical missile for ranges of up to 1,500 metres.

SPIKE SR has been designed to be used by the tactical infantry level (platoon, company) with a minimum flight range of 50m, and is part of the wider SPIKE family that consists of missiles with ranges of up to 30km. SPIKE can be launched from naval, land, and aerial platforms against a variety of targets. So far 27,000 SPIKE missiles have been sold to more than 26 customers.

SPIKE SR is a “uniquely-shaped” missile with an advanced seeker that has enabled reduction in weight and size, at low cost, and has been made more reliable than its competition, according to the company. A major breakthrough in the design of the missile is the unification of its emission and flight engine: “A unique development that has contributed to its low weight and short length,” Rafael states. The missile is highly manoeuvrable and can hit moving targets at short ranges.

During the successful demo the missiles were fired to various ranges (150-1,500m) against both stationary and moving targets.

Moshe Elazar, Executive Vice President and Head of Rafael’s Land Systems Division, noted that the SPIKE SR complements Rafael’s existing land systems and is another level in its strategy to define and implement advanced technological solutions for a variety of uses for land forces in Israel and around the world. He added that the completion of the project, which included numerous challenges in many disciplines, is another indication of Rafael’s capabilities and is a source of pride for the company.