Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has signed a contract to sell Spike missiles and launchers to the German Army through a joint venture (JV).

The Eurospike JV between Rafael and German companies Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall Electronics entered a multi-year framework contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

Under the framework contract, Eurospike received an initial order to provide 1,500 Spike rounds and hundreds of integrated control launch unit (ICLU) dismounted missile launchers.

The contract entails the manufacture of the missiles and launchers locally in Germany by domestic firms.

Spike is also known as MELLS in the German Armed Forces. It is an Israeli precise, multi-mission and multi-platform electro-optical missile.



The fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) provides armed forces with the capability to attack hidden targets.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems executive vice-president and Land and Naval Division head Moshe Elazar said: “This is a significant contract for Eurospike and thus for RAFAEL, as a leading supplier of fifth-generation ATGM in the world. It will undoubtedly cement the German Army’s position as one of the strongest ATGM forces in Europe.

“The Spike missile and launcher cross-nation commonality enables the nations to manage joint SPIKE missile stocks, create joint procurement and maintain mutual support. In combination with local production within Europe by Eurospike, Spike is a truly common European missile.”

The company expects further orders in the coming years for more Spike missiles for the German Army.

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The army is already using the dismounted portable Spike launcher, as well as the vehicle-mounted launcher, on its Puma, Wiesel, and Marder platforms.

Spike is used by Germany and 18 other users in the EU and Nato. The missiles are used by 33 militaries worldwide.

In June, the German Army conducted a Spike firing campaign in Germany. The training included the firing of 54 live SPIKE LR missiles from the ICLU launchers.