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A recent operational test of the Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missile on an AH-64 Apache helicopter at Erbil Air Base in Iraq marked a significant milestone for the U.S. Army. The test was conducted by the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, with the Apache helicopter using an inert training version of the missile for the first time in operational conditions with a conventional military unit.
Previously, the Spike NLOS missile had undergone testing at various locations, including Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and in Germany, according to The Defense Post. The latest flight in Iraq represents one of the final stages before the missile is fully integrated into combat operations with the Apache helicopter.
The Spike NLOS, developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, offers enhanced capabilities compared to traditional munitions. With a range of up to 32 kilometers, it surpasses the range of the widely used Hellfire missile, which has a maximum reach of 11 kilometers. Additionally, the missile’s electro-optical/infrared seeker and advanced data link provide operators with real-time video imagery and allow for mid-flight retargeting, providing flexibility in combat situations. The multi-purpose warhead of the Spike can target tanks, structures, ships, and personnel, adding versatility to the platform.
Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, highlighted in the press release the importance of operational testing, noting that it plays a crucial role in enhancing combat readiness. The brigade plans to use the Spike NLOS missile during their current deployment in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission focused on countering the Islamic State.
The U.S. Army selected the Spike NLOS as part of the Interim-Long Range Precision Munition (I-LRPM) program, following a competitive evaluation in November 2022. This selection underscores the missile’s potential to provide increased precision and long-range capabilities in future combat operations.
