RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems recently showcased its latest technological breakthrough by conducting the first-ever firing demonstration of the Spike ER2 (Extended Range) 5th generation electro-optical (EO) guided missile from an H145M helicopter. This landmark event followed a successful de-risking phase earlier in the year, demonstrating the missile’s versatility in providing close air support to special operations forces on the ground. The firing demo simulated a high-stakes hostage rescue mission, where special forces teams on the ground were tasked with infiltrating an enemy stronghold, rescuing the hostage, and then exfiltrating to a secure forward operating base. The operation was executed in three critical phases: infiltration, helicopter-supported assault, and the final exfiltration. During the assault, enemy armored vehicles posed a significant threat, necessitating immediate engagement from H145M attack helicopters equipped with RAFAEL’s Spike ER2 missiles. The H145M’s HForce weapon management system, coupled with the anti-tank capabilities of the Spike ER2, was instrumental in neutralizing the enemy forces, ensuring the successful extraction of the hostage.
The Spike ER2 brings a new level of sophistication to modern missile systems. 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. As of 2024, it is in its sixth generation. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Designed for multi-domain operations, this 5th generation missile can be deployed across ground, air, and maritime platforms, providing unmatched tactical flexibility. One of the most notable features of the Spike ER2 is its extended range, capable of hitting targets at distances between 10 to 16 kilometers. Despite its long reach, the missile maintains a relatively low weight of 34 kg, making it adaptable to a wide range of platforms, from ground vehicles to helicopters and naval vessels. This combination of extended range and lightweight design ensures that military forces retain their agility and effectiveness, even when carrying such a powerful system. Designed to excel in precision targeting, the Spike ER2 can engage both direct and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) targets.
The missile comes equipped with a tandem HEAT warhead, optimized for penetrating armored targets, and a Penetration-Blast-Fragmentation (PBF) warhead, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of targets, from tanks to bunkers. The Spike ER2 offers various operational modes to adapt to changing battlefield scenarios. Operators can choose from “Fire & Forget,” “Fire & Observe,” and “Fire to Target Coordinates,” allowing for real-time adjustments during engagements. In addition, its immunity to radio frequency (RF) and GPS jamming ensures that the missile remains effective in electronic warfare environments, a key requirement in today’s combat landscape. At the heart of the Spike ER2’s technological superiority is its real-time fiber-optic and RF data links, enabling “Man-in-the-Loop” control for surface and rotary-wing platforms. This allows for in-flight retargeting and engagement of both beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) and NLOS targets, ensuring maximum mission success. The missile is also equipped with a multispectral seeker, featuring high-resolution infrared and day sensors, which provide exceptional target acquisition and tracking capabilities in all weather and light conditions.
The Spike ER2 has already been integrated into over 45 different platforms and is currently operational in 43 armed forces around the world. This widespread adoption underscores its reliability and effectiveness, as it continues to prove its value in diverse operational environments. In addition to its advanced capabilities, the Spike ER2 is designed with cost-efficiency in mind. Its low Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and reduced maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for modern militaries looking to enhance their capabilities without straining their budgets. RAFAEL’s Spike ER2 missile system represents a significant advancement in military technology, offering unmatched precision, versatility, and resilience in electronic warfare environments. Whether deployed on land, in the air, or at sea, the Spike ER2 provides armed forces with a critical edge in modern combat, ensuring dominance across multiple domains. As militaries around the world continue to face increasingly complex threats, the Spike ER2 stands ready to deliver mission-critical performance with confidence and precision.
