By TPS • 13 January, 2020
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. unveiled its upgraded SPIKE SR anti-tank missile which features unique capabilities, including increased lethality and a 2,000-meter standoff range and weighs only 10kg.
In a recent series of tests in the Negev Desert in southern Israel, Rafael demonstrated the SPIKE SR (Short Range) Precision guided missile and showed off its unique lethal capability.
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 10kg.
The weapon system is in use by several nations, including within NATO, Germany Latvia and Estonia.
The entire SPIKE Family is 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 and marine vessels.
SPIKE SR was designed for the maneuvering forces, allowing standoff engagement ranges of 2,000 meters, formerly covered only by heavier Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).
Designed as a portable, fully disposable munition, the SPIKE SR carries a powerful High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, joined with a frontal precursor for clearing of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) tiles.
During the demonstration, operators hit targets located 2,000 meters away, presenting both a great standoff range to enhance the survivability of maneuvering infantry, as well as lethality, with impressive armor penetration results.
Gal Papier, director of marketing and business development at Rafael’s Precision Tactical Weapon Systems directorate stated that the SPIKE SR ” proved to be as lethal as other large caliber 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.”
