In a recent military operation along the Gaza coastline, the Israeli Navy employed the formidable Naval Spike NLOS maritime missile system. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike NLOS maritime missile represents a naval adaptation of the land-based Spike NLOS system. The operation targeted Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip and showcased the Israeli Navy’s precision capabilities. The successful mission underscores the versatility and effectiveness of this advanced naval weaponry. The Spike NLOS maritime missile is part of Rafael’s Spike missile family, known for its fire-and-forget capabilities and versatility in anti-tank and anti-personnel applications. This system offers a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead and comes in various configurations.
The Spike is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants. Spike ER (Extended Range) has a minimum range of 400 m and a maximum range of 8,000 m (5.0 mi). Spike NLOS (Non Line Of Sight) is an ultra long-range version of the weapon, with a claimed maximum range of 50 km when launched from a helicopter and up to 32 km from land and naval platforms. It is a significantly larger missile than other Spike variants, with an overall weight of around 70 kg (150 lb).
The Naval Spike NLOS features a compact and stabilized turret equipped with four missiles, accompanied by a sophisticated fire control system. This configuration enables the system to engage targets effectively at ranges of up to 32 kilometers, all with exceptional precision and midcourse navigation. One of the key features of the Spike NLOS system is its versatility in targeting. The missile can be equipped with a variety of warheads and is equipped with a wireless data link for real-time communication with the missile. This allows it to effectively hit non-line of sight (NLOS) targets and switch between targets if necessary, or even abort missions. Spike NLOS can provide real-time tactical intelligence and damage assessment, making it a valuable tool for both offensive and defensive scenarios.
In addition, the Naval Spike NLOS system is designed to seamlessly integrate into a ship’s Command and Control systems, receiving target location data from a variety of sources, including embedded Tactical Air Systems (TAS), external sensors, C4I centers, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This integrated approach enhances the overall situational awareness and effectiveness of naval operations. The deployment of the Spike NLOS maritime missile in the Gaza coastal operation exemplifies its capability to engage maritime and coastal targets day and night, regardless of weather conditions, and at ranges beyond the line of sight. With the ability to carry out precision strikes at distances of up to 32 kilometers.
