The new Spike NLOS missile, manufactured by Rafael, has a range of up to 25km and can be launched from the air, land and sea.

The Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. unveiled a new version of its Spike family missiles – Spike non-line of sight (NLOS) missile. The Spike missiles are a third generation anti-tank guided missiles, which work as a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The new Spike NLOS missile has a range of up to 25 kilometers and can be used from the air, land and sea. The new version has a unique ability to even damage targets which are not located in view of the missile launcher.

The Spike missiles, some which are already being used by the IDF, are electro-optical multi-purpose missiles, and are considered the most advanced missile of their kind in the world. The older versions which range 4-8 kilometers are used by infantry forces, and can be fired by helicopters and ground vehicles.

The Spike NLOS is capable of being used during the day and night, and like the previous versions the launching systems works as a fire-and forget, enabling independent homing after launch without operator interference. The missile is able to update data while it’s flying in the air, on its way to its destination, using fiber optics.

This unique technology allows, if necessary, to even divert its course to avoid missing its target or harming innocent targets.  

© 2009 IDF. All rights reserved