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India has decided to purchase Israel’s Spike anti-tank guided missile. An Indian defense ministry source said on Saturday that the Israeli Spike made by Rafael was selected after a competition with the U.S made Javelin missile.
India will buy at least 8,000 Spike missiles and more than 300 launchers in a deal worth $525 million.
The Spike Family consists of missiles suited for several platforms, multiple ranges and a variety of targets. The missiles in this family have sophisticated electro-optic CCD or IR sensors for operation day and night and in adverse weather conditions and a tandem warhead. Their lofted trajectories enable the warhead to hit the target at its most vulnerable part with pinpoint precision.
All of the Spike Family members have a low Life Cycle Cost, due to high reliability and operational, logistic support and production commonality between members.
The Spike family comprises the following missile types:
|
Designation |
Max. Range |
Application |
|
SPIKE-MR (Gill) |
2,500m |
Infantry and Special Forces |
|
SPIKE-LR |
4,000m |
Infantry, Light Combat Vehicles |
|
SPIKE-ER (NTD) |
8,000m |
Infantry, LCV, Helicopters |
|
Spike NLOS |
25,000m |
Helicopters |
The SPIKE-ER is a stand-alone anti-armor weapon system that is designed for mounting on various platforms, including helicopters, fast boats and combat vehicles. It can also be dismounted to a ground position and fitted onto a tripod. The compact system includes the SPIKE-ER missile in its canister, the Command Launch Unit (CLU), a thermal sight and the SPIKE-ER launcher.
iHLS editor-in-chief
