The Spike LR II is an advanced long-range anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It represents a highly versatile and precise solution for modern armored warfare, providing both infantry and vehicle-mounted units the capability to engage a wide variety of targets at extended ranges.
- Design & Deployment: The Spike LR II is a man-portable or vehicle-launched missile system, allowing flexible deployment across infantry, armored vehicles, and naval platforms. Its compact launch unit enables rapid setup and operation in diverse combat environments.
- Guidance & Targeting: Featuring electro-optical and fiber-optic guidance, the Spike LR II offers “fire-and-forget” as well as man-in-the-loop capabilities. Operators can track and redirect the missile mid-flight, ensuring high accuracy even against moving or concealed targets.
- Warhead & Effectiveness: Equipped with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, it is designed to penetrate explosive reactive armor (ERA) and modern composite armor, making it effective against main battle tanks and fortified positions.
- Range & Precision: With an operational range of up to 5,500 meters, the Spike LR II provides long-distance engagement capability, giving forces a significant stand-off advantage over enemy armored units.
- Versatility: Beyond armored vehicles, the missile can be used against bunkers, fortified structures, and even low-flying helicopters, thanks to its precision guidance and adaptable targeting modes.
- Operational Significance: Widely exported and combat-proven, the Spike LR II enhances battlefield lethality, situational flexibility, and force protection, forming a key component of modern anti-armor strategy.
By combining long-range precision, multi-platform deployment, and advanced guidance systems, the Spike LR II remains one of the most capable ATGMs in the world, offering superior lethality and adaptability for contemporary military operations.
