December 2017, following an order for Spike Missiles signed in 2015 by the Romanian government from EuroSpike GmbH (a joint venture between Rafael, Diehl and Rheinmetall), the Romanian Army has recently completed testing and evaluation of ten Spike LR (Long Range) missiles (SPIKE LR 2 for IDF, 2017-10-25). The missiles were fired as part of the Romanian army procurement and evaluation process at the Cincu National Training Center in Braşov, Romania.
Following an order for Spike Missiles Rafael’s Spike LR undergoes testing and evaluation by Romanian Army. The Romanian army is a long time user of the SPIKE Missile family, with Spike LR in its vehicle-mounted version and the Spike ER on its PUMA helicopters.
Nine of the ten Spike missiles were fired by Romanian gunners at the end of the qualification process. The Spike LR System was tested in different firing scenarios, including day mode and IR mode, and was fired against tanks and APCs at different ranges. All missiles hit their targets with high performance of both the weapon system and its operators.
The Portable Anti-tank Spike-LR Procurement Program 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. /Photos: Rafael
The tests conducted in Romania involved the infantry launcher configuration of the ICLU (Integrated Control Launch Unit) which is the new modern digital launcher for Spike missiles. The ICLU enables very long range target detection capabilities and integration to a tactical network. The tests were attended by high ranking Romanian officials of army, MOD and local media teams.
The Spike Family consists of missiles suited for land, air and sea platforms, multiple ranges and a variety of targets. The missiles in this family have electro-optic CCD or IIR sensors for day/night all-weather operation, as well as a tandem warhead.