What is Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM)?

Aug. 4, 2023

The Indian Air Force recently received Israel's Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles.

About Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM):

  • It is a fire-and-forget anti-tank and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive warhead.
  • It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a defence technology company based in Israel.
  • It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.
  • Spike missiles are being used by the defence forces of Israel and another 38 countries, including India, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Peru, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, UK, Philippines, and Singapore.
  • Features:
    • It can hit targets from distances of up to 30 kilometres.
    • Weight: 71 kg
    • It uses an electro-optical seeker that enables the launch operator to clearly see targets, unlike missiles reliant on radar or infrared guidance.
    • The seeker is also coupled to a datalink that enables the launch operator to control the missile in flight to attack different parts of a tank or select another target, if not abort the strike.
    • It can be armed with different types of warheads suited to destroy tanks, air defence systems or for use in urban combat.