Romania tests Spike LR missiles
The Romanian Army has completed testing and evaluation of ten Spike Long Range (LR) missiles as part of its procurement and evaluation process, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on 18 December.
The missiles were fired at the Cincu National Training Centre in Braşov, Romania, in different firing scenarios, including day mode and infrared mode. The firings against tanks and armoured personnel carriers at different ranges saw all ten missiles hit their targets.
The tests involved the infantry launcher configuration of the Integrated Control Launch Unit (ICLU), which is the new modern digital launcher for Spike missiles. The ICLU enables long range target detection capabilities and integration with a tactical network.
The Romanian Army is already using Spike family missiles. This includes deploying the Spike LR missile on a 30mm remote controlled weapon station on the BMP vehicle, and the Spike Extended Range missile (8km) on the Puma helicopter.
Romania's Portable Anti-tank Spike-LR procurement programme will run through 2017-2019 and will equip the infantry, reconnaissance and mountain troop brigades as well as the artillery regiments of the Romanian land forces.
The Spike family consists of missiles suited for land, air and sea platforms, multiple ranges and a variety of targets. The missile features electro-optic CCD or IIR sensors for day/night all-weather operation, as well as a tandem warhead. The missile's lofted trajectories enable the warhead to strike the target at its most vulnerable location with pinpoint precision.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025]()
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
![Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown]()
Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown
Despite recently releasing an Request for Information (RfI) under the IVAS programme, it remains unclear if the US Army will recompete the initiative.
-
![Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence]()
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
-
![Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme]()
Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme
The agreement is a further development in a programme which has seen dozens of vehicles ordered by partner countries in the last year.
-
![L3Harris awarded $263 million contract for night vision goggles]()
L3Harris awarded $263 million contract for night vision goggles
The order for Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) is the second order under the full-scale production Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) programme, following a similar award last year.
