Firing test of Spike anti-tank missile mounted on NAMER IFV armored.

According a video released on December 12, 2018, by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Israeli Defence Forces have performed firing tests with the latest generation of NAMER IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) armed with Spike anti-tank missile. The IFV version of the NAMER was showed for the first time in July 2017.

NAMER IFV during firing test with Spike anti-tank missile. (Picture source Print Screen Israeli MoD video)

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced on Wednesday December 12, 2018, the successful test-fired of Spike anti-tank missile system mounted on the latest generation of IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) tracked armored NAMER. The system will be mounted on the turrets of Eitan wheeled armored vehicle and Namer tracked IFV.

According to a statement of Israeli Defense Ministry, the new turret is fitted with new fire control a system that allows the crew to operate and perform all firing operations from inside of the vehicle in order to prevent exposing the soldiers to enemy fire. The firing test of the anti-tank missile was just the first stage of tests for the system, added the Israeli Defense Ministry.

The NAMER is a tracked Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle designed and developed by the Israeli Ordnance Corps responsible for the development and maintenance of war materiel, combat-support materials, and other systems. The latest variant NAMER is based on the Merkava IV main battle tank (MBT) and was revealed in 2008. The IFV version of the NAMER was unveiled by Israeli Defense Ministry in July 2017. The NAMER IFV is fitted with an unmanned turret armed with one 30mm automatic cannon.

The firing test video released by the Ministry of Defense shows that the NAMER IFV is armed with two launchers of Spike anti-tank missile located at the rear of the roof turret. In road position, the missiles are stored inside the armour of the turret and erected in a few seconds to perform firing operations by the crew from inside of the vehicle.

During the unveiling of the NAMER IF in July 2017, Brig. Gen. Baruch Matzliah, Head of the Tank Program Administration said, the new NAMER IFV equipped with the 30mm gun turret will provide a better response for urban combat operations. The turret will also incorporate an APS (Active Protection System) and weapon systems offering more fire power and protection.