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Rafael and US Army Collaborate to Adapt SPIKE Missiles to Meet American Military Requirements.
On March 25, 2025, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) during the opening of the AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama. This agreement aims to evaluate and refine the SPIKE missile family to better align with the U.S. Army’s evolving operational requirements in a context where military doctrines and threats are constantly shifting.
The U.S. interest in acquiring and integrating SPIKE missiles is driven by multiple strategic, operational, and technological factors (Picture source: Rafael)
The SPIKE missile system is recognized for its precision and versatility. It is already in service with multiple armed forces worldwide, including twenty NATO members, demonstrating its compatibility with allied forces. The agreement focuses on further developing certain tactical variants, including the SPIKE LR2, SPIKE SR, SPIKE ER2, and the SPIKE Firefly loitering munition. The objective is to tailor these systems to the specific needs of U.S. forces, enhancing strike capabilities across various operational environments, from conventional warfare to asymmetric engagements where speed and accuracy are key factors.
The SPIKE missile family developed by Rafael includes multiple variants designed for specific missions. The SPIKE LR2, a fifth-generation electro-optical missile, is designed for use on multiple platforms, including infantry, armored vehicles, helicopters, and naval units. It can engage targets up to 5.5 km away using advanced firing modes such as "Fire & Forget," "Fire & Observe," and "Fire to Target Coordinates." Equipped with a tandem HEAT warhead, it is capable of penetrating modern armor and can be used in urban environments against fortified structures. Its ability to engage targets beyond the line of sight makes it a valuable asset for forces aiming to neutralize threats while minimizing direct exposure.
The SPIKE SR is a lighter, compact version optimized for infantry use. With a range of 2 km, a weight of only 10 kg, and a "Fire & Forget" mode, it provides an immediate response to threats while being easily transportable and operable by a single soldier. Its disposable nature makes it a practical solution for combat units engaged in high-intensity or hybrid conflicts where rapid engagement and ease of use are critical. Its design and functionality make it well-suited for modern operational scenarios requiring tactical flexibility.
The SPIKE ER2 offers extended-range strike capability, with an operational range of 10 to 16 km depending on the launch platform. Integrated onto armored vehicles, attack helicopters, and naval units, it provides enhanced engagement capabilities against both fixed and moving targets beyond the line of sight, strengthening tactical superiority. With advanced electro-optical guidance and optimized connectivity, it enables precision strikes even in contested environments where GPS jamming and electronic countermeasures pose a threat. Its optimized weight-to-range ratio ensures flexible integration across different platforms, increasing its adaptability for armed forces.
The SPIKE Firefly stands out as a loitering munition specifically developed for urban operations. With a lightweight design of 2.2 kg and flight endurance of up to 25 minutes, it allows ground units to assess high-risk areas before engaging a target. Designed to detect and engage threats concealed behind cover, it enhances situational awareness while reducing the risk of collateral damage. Its compact design and maneuverability make it an effective reconnaissance and strike tool, improving adaptability in environments where threats are often dispersed and mobile.
Joe Anderson, retired Lieutenant General and CEO of RSGS, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that the evolving defense landscape makes strategic collaborations such as this CRADA essential. He highlighted that such initiatives are instrumental in advancing innovation and ensuring the operational readiness of the U.S. Army. This agreement is part of a broader effort to enhance the performance and compatibility of military equipment used by U.S. forces, particularly through the integration of advanced technologies aimed at improving range, accuracy, and lethality.
Through this agreement, Rafael and DEVCOM commit to a technological collaboration that could lead to significant advancements in guided missile capabilities. The partnership will not only refine the technical characteristics of the SPIKE systems but also evaluate their effectiveness in different operational scenarios, facilitating potential broader adoption by the U.S. Army.
The U.S. interest in acquiring and integrating SPIKE missiles is driven by multiple strategic, operational, and technological factors. These systems offer proven precision-strike capabilities that complement and strengthen the existing arsenal, particularly for infantry, armored vehicles, helicopters, and naval forces. With multiple platform variants and operational ranges from 2 km to 16 km, the SPIKE missile family provides increased flexibility to address various conflict scenarios, including urban combat, asymmetric engagements, and high-intensity conventional warfare.
Another strategic advantage lies in the modularity and interoperability of SPIKE missiles with the existing systems of U.S. allies, particularly within NATO. This compatibility facilitates cooperation in multinational operations and enhances the effectiveness of deployed forces. The advanced electro-optical guidance and multiple engagement modes allow for precision strikes independent of GPS conditions, a crucial factor against modern threats that employ electronic warfare to disrupt targeting systems.
From a technological standpoint, the evaluation and potential adoption of SPIKE missiles provide the U.S. Army with an opportunity to integrate cutting-edge innovations and compare them with existing domestic systems, such as the Javelin and AGM-114 Hellfire. These tests could lead to adaptations of SPIKE technologies to meet specific U.S. military requirements, particularly in anti-armor munitions, loitering munitions, and long-range strike capabilities for aerial and ground platforms. The agreement signed between Rafael and DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center reflects a continued commitment to maintaining technological superiority in response to emerging challenges.
As the U.S. seeks to maintain its military advantage in an evolving security environment, the need for precision weapons capable of engaging targets beyond the line of sight while minimizing logistical footprint and operational costs becomes increasingly critical. By testing and potentially integrating select SPIKE variants, the U.S. Army could strengthen its long-range engagement capabilities, enhance force protection, and improve overall battlefield effectiveness.