US Army to build ‘Americanized’ version of Israel’s 6th-gen Spike missiles

In a notable development in defense collaboration, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., in conjunction with its U.S. subsidiary, Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS), has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AVMC).

This partnership focuses on evaluating and potentially enhancing the SPIKE family of missiles known for their precision and versatility in modern combat scenarios.

The CRADA aims to harness the technical expertise and resources of both Rafael and the U.S. Army to ensure that the SPIKE missile systems align with the evolving requirements of contemporary warfare.

The collaboration seeks to thoroughly assess these advanced missile technologies, with an eye toward adaptation and integration into the U.S. military framework.

The agreement facilitates a cooperative relationship, allowing both entities to exchange knowledge and technical insights while providing access to specialized facilities and sharing intellectual property.

This collaboration is expected to significantly expedite the development process of missile technologies, thereby enhancing the SPIKE systems’ capabilities to meet Army specifications better.

Specific focus areas under this partnership include several tactical missile variants from the SPIKE family.

These encompass the SPIKE LR2, a long-range missile capable of hitting targets up to 5.5 kilometers away; the SPIKE SR, a short-range, shoulder-launched system effective at a range of 2 kilometers; the SPIKE ER2, which can reach targets at distances of up to 10 kilometers; and the SPIKE Firefly, a loitering munition designed for close combat and urban operations.

This agreement marks a crucial step in efforts to bolster defense capabilities for the United States and its allied nations.

By combining Rafael’s innovative missile technologies with the extensive research strengths of DEVCOM’s AVMC, this partnership aims to produce state-of-the-art missile systems that enhance U.S. forces’ operational effectiveness and survivability in diverse environments.

The SPIKE missile system, which has already been integrated into the armed forces of numerous countries, including 20 NATO members, has demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness in various operational contexts.

To replace Javelin, Hellfire

The collaboration with DEVCOM is anticipated to deepen the U.S. Army’s understanding of these advanced capabilities, helping to maintain its combat readiness in the face of emerging threats.

LTG (Ret) Joe Anderson, CEO of RSGS, emphasized the significance of this partnership in light of a rapidly evolving defense landscape.

He noted, “As we continue to face new challenges, partnerships like this CRADA with DEVCOM are essential for driving innovation and ensuring the U.S. Army is prepared for the future. The SPIKE missile systems have been selected by numerous nations and play a vital role in enhancing the lethality of infantry and armored brigades globally.”

Anderson highlighted the potential for valuable information sharing, which he believes will better prepare the Army to adapt to modern warfare demands, such as the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and U.S. qualifications.

The ultimate aim, he pointed out, is to significantly improve the Army’s tactical forces, providing them with the means to engage targets beyond the line of sight with reliable, proven capabilities.

There is speculation that the U.S. Army may consider integrating new SPIKE missile technologies as a potential replacement for existing third-generation systems like the Javelin and Hellfire missiles, signaling a significant shift in its tactical arsenal for future engagements.

The ongoing collaboration between Rafael and the U.S. military could redefine the capabilities of American forces in coming years.

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