Latvia invests for €81 Million in Spike Missiles to increase its anti-tank capabilities.

According to information published by the Latvian Ministry of Defence on June 3, 2025, the government has signed a €81 million agreement with EuroSpike, a German-based joint venture, to procure additional Spike anti-tank guided missile systems, associated munitions, and support equipment. This contract is part of Latvia’s broader initiative to modernize its armed forces and reinforce long-term defense readiness. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and will be executed in phases to align with strategic operational planning.
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A soldier trains with a Spike anti-tank guided missile system, showcasing the advanced electro-optical targeting capabilities that will be expanded under the new €81 million procurement deal from Latvia with EuroSpike.(Picture source: EuroSpike)

This new acquisition significantly strengthens Latvia’s land-based anti-armor capabilities. It demonstrates a continued commitment to deepening the operational effectiveness of the Latvian National Armed Forces and the National Guard. The agreement follows a previous Spike missile procurement contract signed in 2018, marking a sustained cooperation between Latvia and EuroSpike. Under the current deal, 30% of the contract value will be fulfilled by domestic industry players, in line with Latvia’s 2025–2036 Defence Industry and Innovation Support Strategy. This provision supports the growth of Latvia's defense industrial base while enhancing national security self-reliance and resilience.

The Spike missile system is a family of precision-guided, multi-platform anti-tank weapons developed by Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and produced in Europe by EuroSpike. The missiles utilize a dual electro-optical and infrared seeker for day-and-night all-weather target acquisition, offering fire-and-forget as well as fire-and-update capabilities through a secure fiber-optic data link. The Spike LR2 (Long Range) variant, a likely component of Latvia’s procurement, has a range of up to 5.5 kilometers from a ground launcher and up to 10 kilometers when launched from an elevated platform such as a helicopter. It carries a tandem-shaped-charge HEAT warhead capable of penetrating explosive reactive armor (ERA) and heavy composite armor. The system allows for pinpoint accuracy against static and moving targets, even under battlefield obscurants or urban clutter. Its “man-in-the-loop” functionality gives operators the flexibility to abort or redirect the missile mid-flight, significantly reducing collateral damage and increasing engagement precision in complex environments.

For Latvia, the acquisition of these advanced anti-tank missile systems is not only a matter of tactical enhancement but also of strategic necessity. As a NATO member state sharing a border with the Russian Federation and Belarus, Latvia is situated on a critical fault line in European security. The continued militarization of the Russian Western Military District and ongoing instability in Eastern Europe underscore the urgency of strengthening national defense postures. Spike systems provide Latvia with a credible deterrent against armored threats and offer a scalable solution to potential hybrid warfare scenarios, including irregular incursions and mechanized assaults. The systems will be integrated into both professional and reserve units, reinforcing Latvia's multi-layered defense architecture and ensuring operational readiness across various force components.

Moreover, the cooperation with EuroSpike reflects Latvia’s broader defense modernization agenda and its alignment with NATO’s strategic goals. By investing in state-of-the-art armaments and involving local industry in production and sustainment, Latvia is not only reinforcing its military capabilities but also contributing to regional defense sustainability and alliance interoperability.