US Army evaluates Spike Firefly loitering munition
A US Army soldier operates Spike Firefly during AEWE 2022. (Photo: Rafael)
The US Army evaluated the Spike Firefly loitering munition at the AEWE 2022 exercise. During the two days assessment, seven infantry squads were qualified in the operation of the weapon system.
The US Army has evaluated the Spike Firefly loitering munition during a live exercise, Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems revealed on 9 May.
Rafael and its US subsidiary RSGS demonstrated the system during the recent Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE 2022).
During a two-day assessment, seven infantry squads were qualified in the operation of Spike Firefly by using inert rounds and an embedded trainer that simulated the operation as part of the Firefly control unit.
The squads also participated in force-on-force exercises within an urban area deploying Firefly munitions in different tactical scenarios to support infantry squad manoeuvres.
This portable VTOL miniature tactical loitering munition is part of the Spike family of precision-guided EO missile systems and is designed for precision strikes in close combat in any environment.
Spike Firefly includes an advanced multispectral seeker with an uncooled IR sensor, a high-definition CMOS day sensor as well as a proximity sensor allowing the system to detect, identify, track and engage on very agile targets.
The loitering munition also features an encrypted data link and a lethal blast fragmentation warhead.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise]()
IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
-
![IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT]()
IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT
One of the few main battle tanks (MBT) displayed at IDEX 2025 was the latest Hyundai Rotem K2 MBT from South Korea, which has already secured its first export contract with Poland, with initial units delivered.
-
![IDEX 2025: Uzbekistan sets out AFV credentials with family of new designs]()
IDEX 2025: Uzbekistan sets out AFV credentials with family of new designs
Uzbekistan's Havztez Defense rolled out a new family of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) at IDEX 2025, offering another national alternative in an already crowded market.
-
![IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind]()
IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind
Aselsan revealed at IDEX 2025 that it has been developing a 25mm calibre air-bursting munition known as ATOM 25.
-
![IDEX 2025: Sichuan Jinji unveils new ZJ01 all-terrain vehicle]()
IDEX 2025: Sichuan Jinji unveils new ZJ01 all-terrain vehicle
While China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) markets much of the equipment developed in China for land forces, smaller Chinese contractors are also contributing to military vehicle development.
-
![IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production]()
IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production
The new Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (LIFV) builds on Calidus’s experience with its Wahash (8×8) vehicle.
