German Army receives Rafael SPIKE missiles and launchers
Eurospike has signed a multi-year framework contract for the supply of SPIKE (AKA MELLS in Germany) Missiles and launchers to the German Army, Rafael announced on November 18.
Eurospike is a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Diehl Defence GmbH & Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH.
The first order is for the supply of 1500 SPIKE rounds, as well as hundreds of RAFAEL’S new ICLU (Integrated Control Launch Unit) dismounted missile launchers.
According to a statement, the missiles and launchers will be manufactured in Germany by local companies, resulting in knowledge transfer.
The multiyear contract agreement will allow the Bundeswehr to continue to purchase additional SPIKE missiles in the coming years to achieve its goal of a high launcher-to-missile ratio.
Moshe Elazar, EVP, Head of RAFAEL’s Land and Naval Division: “This is a significant contract for Eurospike and thus for RAFAEL, as a leading supplier of 5th generation ATGM in the world. It will undoubtedly cement the German Army’s position as one of the strongest ATGM forces in Europe.”
“The SPIKE missile and launcher cross-nation commonality enables the nations to manage joint SPIKE missile stocks, create joint procurement and maintain mutual support.
In combination with local production within Europe by Eurospike, SPIKE is a truly common European missile,” Elazar added.
Defence Insight Analysis
The German Army is already using both the dismounted portable SPIKE (MELLS) launcher as well the as the vehicle-mounted launcher on the German army Puma, Marder & Wiesel.
With 33 SPIKE missile users around the world, Germany is among 19 other SPIKE users in the EU and NATO.
According to the company, over 30,000 SPIKE missiles have been supplied worldwide, with over 5500 SPIKE missile firings, both in training and in combat.
SPIKE is a cutting-edge precise, multi-platform, multi-mission and multi-range electro-optical missile Family, with capabilities of fire-and-forget, as well as fire, observe and update, allowing attack of hidden targets.
