The Latvian National Armed Forces (NacionÄlie Bruņotie SpÄ“ki) have begun to take delivery of initial consignments of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike precision-guided tactical missiles under the provisions of a EUR108 million (USD133 million) contract signed between the Latvian Ministry of Defence and EuroSpike in February 2018. The Latvian Land Forces (Sauszemes SpÄ“ki) already field the man-portable Spike LR1, which it acquired in 2008. The Latvian National Armed Forces purchased a new delivery of Spike anti-tank missiles on Feb. 12 for $134.3 million. The new contract provides for latest Spike Precision Guided Tactical Missiles variant effectors, including Spike SR, Spike LR2, and Spike ER2.
Based in Röthenbach, Germany, EuroSpike is a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, and is responsible for the marketing, and some manufacture, of the Spike family of missiles in Europe. The production of the missiles (SR, LR2) is carried out at several sites in Germany. Commonalities between the missiles of the SPIKE family ensure a cost advantage in the production and consequently in the purchase, maintenance and training in the use of specific missiles. Additionally due to the success of SPIKE sales throughout Europe, most members of the NATO alliance are SPIKE users which ensures interoperability and also has advantages when needing to stock during exercises.
