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
-
![US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December]()
US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December
The company recently announced a new US$95 million order for the Palletized Load System A2 under the FHTV V agreement.
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
