Spike Missile System

Full Specifications

The Spike Missile is a family of precision-guided anti-tank missile systems designed for modern battlefield operations. Developed to defeat armored vehicles, fortified positions, and high-value battlefield targets, the Spike series is widely used by military forces across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The missile family includes short-range, medium-range, long-range, and extended-range variants, giving armed forces flexible deployment options for infantry, vehicle, helicopter, and naval operations.

Spike missiles are known for their fire-and-forget and fire-observe-update guidance capabilities. These features allow operators to engage targets while minimizing exposure to enemy fire. Advanced electro-optical seekers and imaging infrared guidance improve target accuracy in day and night operations.

Manufacturer

The Spike missile family is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli defense technology company specializing in missile systems, air defense, and electronic warfare solutions. Development of the Spike series began during the 1980s, with operational deployment expanding globally in the 1990s and 2000s.

The missile system has been integrated into infantry launchers, armored fighting vehicles, helicopters, and naval platforms. Countries including Israel, Germany, India, Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom operate various Spike missile variants.

Speed and Range

Spike missile variants offer different operational ranges depending on mission requirements. The Spike-SR has a range of approximately 1.5 kilometers, while the Spike-LR2 can engage targets beyond 5.5 kilometers from ground platforms and farther from helicopters. The Spike-ER2 extends operational reach to around 16 kilometers in airborne use.

The missile travels at subsonic speeds and uses a solid-fuel rocket motor for propulsion. Its tandem HEAT warhead is designed to penetrate modern explosive reactive armor and heavily protected armored vehicles.

Cost/Price

Estimated unit costs vary by configuration and launch platform. A single Spike missile can cost between $100,000 and $250,000 depending on the variant, support equipment, export package, and integration requirements. Complete launcher systems and training packages significantly increase total procurement costs for military customers.