Germany to Equip 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles with Israeli MELLS Spike LR Missiles.

Germany has decided to equip 200 Puma armored personnel carriers with the MELLS anti-tank missile system, according to information published by Globes on January 1, 2026. The move strengthens the Bundeswehr’s organic anti-armor capability as European militaries reassess mechanized warfare in response to evolving threats.

Germany will equip 200 Puma infantry fighting vehicles with the MELLS anti-tank guided missile system, the Bundeswehr designation for the European variant of the Spike LR missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, according to reporting by Globes published on January 1, 2026. The decision reflects a renewed emphasis on integrated, vehicle-mounted anti-armor firepower within Germany’s mechanized infantry formations, as NATO members adjust force structures and combat concepts shaped by recent conflicts in Europe.
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Equipping 200 Puma vehicles with the MELLS system reflects the broader approach of the German General Staff to modernize armored forces by combining protected platforms, integrated sensors, and guided missiles.(Picture source: KNDS)

The MELLS system, short for Mehrrollenfähiges Leichtes Lenkflugkörpersystem, is produced by Eurospike, a joint venture bringing together Rafael with a 20 percent stake and the German companies Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall, each holding 40 percent. Eurospike is responsible for the production, integration, and support of the Spike missile for European armed forces, while relying on the original technology developed by Rafael. MELLS represents the standard German designation for the Spike LR missile, which is already in service with the Bundeswehr on other platforms.

The Spike LR missile is part of a broader family of electro-optically guided anti-tank missiles designed to cover a wide range of operational requirements. Spike LR is intended to engage heavily armored vehicles, fortifications, and hardened targets at distances of up to around 4 kilometers when launched from the ground, with the improved Spike LR2 variant extending this range to approximately 5.5 kilometers. The missile uses an electro-optical guidance system combining infrared sensors and a fiber-optic data link, allowing either fire-and-forget operation or fire-observe-update modes. This latter capability enables the operator to adjust the missile’s trajectory or change targets after launch, increasing tactical flexibility in complex environments.

The Spike LR2 represents an incremental development over earlier versions. It offers increased penetration performance, designed to counter reactive armor and layered protection systems found on modern main battle tanks. It also incorporates updated target recognition and tracking functions, as well as a multi-purpose warhead suitable for engaging both armored vehicles and fortified positions. These characteristics have contributed to the continued focus of international users on the LR variants within the Spike family.

On the Puma, the missile is deployed through the MELLS launcher mounted on the left side of the turret. The system typically consists of two launch tubes ready to fire and is integrated into the vehicle’s combat and fire-control architecture. Target acquisition and missile guidance are conducted from inside the vehicle, allowing engagements without exposing the crew. This configuration supports the use of covered or concealed firing positions.

The Puma infantry fighting vehicle is a tracked platform developed by the Projekt System und Management consortium, jointly owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme. Designed to replace the Marder, the Puma emphasizes modular protection, digital systems, and integration within combined-arms formations. Its primary armament is a remotely operated Mauser MK 30-2 30 mm automatic cannon with dual-feed capability, supplemented by a coaxial 7.62 mm MG4 machine gun and smoke grenade launchers.

Protection on the Puma is based on a modular design allowing different levels of armor. In its basic configuration, the vehicle weighs around 31.5 tonnes, increasing to over 40 tonnes with Level C combat protection modules installed. These modules provide increased resistance against medium-caliber ammunition, man-portable anti-tank weapons, mines, and improvised explosive devices. The Puma is also fitted with the MUSS soft-kill active protection system, intended to interfere with the guidance of incoming anti-tank guided missiles.

Mobility is provided by an MTU 892 series diesel engine delivering approximately 800 kW, giving the Puma a high power-to-weight ratio and a maximum road speed of about 70 km/h. The vehicle has an operational range of roughly 650 kilometers. Its tracked suspension system is designed to maintain stability during off-road movement and when firing on the move.

The integration of MELLS gives the Puma a long-range anti-tank capability, enabling it to engage armored threats without relying solely on support from main battle tanks. This capability is considered relevant in an operational environment characterized by widespread use of surveillance assets and short-range aerial threats such as FPV drones. The engagement range of the Spike LR exceeds that of most such systems, allowing mechanized units to operate at greater distances from immediate threats.

Equipping 200 Puma vehicles with the MELLS system reflects the broader approach of the German General Staff to modernize armored forces by combining protected platforms, integrated sensors, and guided missiles. The objective is to ensure that mechanized units retain the ability to operate in high-intensity conflict scenarios alongside allied forces.