Indian Air Force (IAF) received (3rd August 2023) air-launched Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles(ATGM) from Israel which can hit targets upto 50 km from a helicopter and 32 km from the ground. The NLOS missiles will be integrated with the fleet of Russian-origin Mi-17V5 helicopters, manufactured by Kazan Helicopters.
Key features of Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) missiles :* It was designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.* It is available in various configurations, including man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.* Utilizes a fire-and-forget system with lock-on before launch and automatic self- guidance features.* The long and extended range versions of the Spike introduce the “Fire, Observe and Update” operating mode.* Air-launched SPIKE NLOS ATGMs are capable of executing precise strikes against ground targets from standoff distances.* Demonstrates the ability to inflict significant damage to enemy tank regiments and effectively halt their advances.* It has the highest level of survivability due to stand-off range and passive guidance.* It enables the handling of Anti-access/area denial (A2AD) targetsIncreased production of missiles through “Make-in-India” :A limited quantity of Spike NLOS ATGMs has been placed on order. There is intent to produce a more substantial amount of these missiles through the “Make-in-India” approach.
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