Greek army aviation to get Israeli Rafael Spike NLOS antitank missiles.

Greece is set to strengthen its defense capabilities by acquiring Spike electro-optically anti-tank missiles from Israel, according to an announcement from the Israeli Defense Ministry. Manufactured by Israeli state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the missiles will be deployed along the Evros land border and on the eastern Aegean islands adjacent to Turkey.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Greece is set to strengthen its defense capabilities by acquiring Spike anti-tank missiles from Israel (Picture source: Army Recognition and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

Spike NLOS (Non-Line-Of-Sight) missiles are known for their range of up to 35 km and their ability to carry out precision strikes. They will be integrated with Greece's Apache attack helicopters and its artillery units. The deal includes the acquisition of more than 220 missiles, which are expected to fully meet Greece's defense needs.

The deployment of these missiles is seen as a significant step in strengthening Greece's deterrent power. It also highlights deepening defense ties between Greece and Israel. The Spike NLOS system will be a key asset in defending both the islands and the Evros region on the border with Turkey.

The Spike family of missiles comes with various features that make them a formidable addition to any defense arsenal. They are equipped with electro-optical sensors and can be guided in real-time, allowing adjustments after launch. The Spike NLOS variant, which will be deployed by Greece, is particularly known for its extended range and ability to engage targets without requiring line of sight.

The Spike NLOS is equipped with a shaped charge warhead with dual anti-tank high explosive (HEAT) charges. It comes in several versions, including the Spike-MR with an effective firing range of 200 to 2,500 meters, and the Spike-LR with a range of 200 to 4,000 meters. The missile uses third-generation electro-optical guidance technology, which operates day and night, and includes an uncooled infrared imager, a high-resolution charge-coupled device (CCD), and an optimized tracker. The latest 6th generation variant of the Spike NLOS has a range of 50 km and can launch up to four missiles at a time. It is also compatible with strategic UAVs.

The acquisition comes at a time of heightened tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, where territorial disputes have led to strained relations between Greece and Turkey. The placement of these missiles on the border will likely be closely monitored by neighboring countries and could have broader geopolitical implications.