Azerbaijan brings upgraded Israeli-made Plasan SandCat Stormer with Spike NLOS missiles to ADEX 2024.

During the 5th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) 2024, Azerbaijan presented an upgraded variant of its Israeli SandCat Stormer vehicle, possibly equipped with the Spike NLOS missile system. This event follows Azerbaijan's recent military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh and aligns with the country's defense spending, projected to reach around USD 3.8 billion in 2024. This Plasan Stormer, part of the Sandcat family, was equipped with four Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missiles, which have a maximum range of 32 km when launched from ground or sea platforms.
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This Plasan Stormer, part of the Sandcat family, was equipped with four Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missiles, which have a maximum range of 32 km when launched from ground or sea platforms. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Azerbaijan conducted a military operation on September 19, 2023, to gain control over the remaining parts of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a territory mainly inhabited by Armenians but located within Azerbaijan’s borders. The operation raised concerns about potential broader violence and led to a significant displacement of Armenians fearing reprisals. Russian peacekeepers were killed during the fighting, but Russia did not intervene. Azerbaijan's economic position, partly influenced by the Ukraine war's effects on natural gas exports to the European Union, has allowed it to expand its military capabilities. The country has acquired military equipment from Turkiye, such as upgrading Su-25 combat aircraft, and from Israel, acquiring a remote-sensing satellite and additional Barak air defense systems. Azerbaijan plans to increase military spending by around 6% in 2024, reaching approximately USD 3.8 billion.

Armenia has also increased its defense spending, with a budget of USD 1.28 billion in 2023, a 46% rise compared to the previous year, and plans to expand it to about USD 1.4 billion in 2024. Due to delays in Russian arms deliveries, affected by Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, Armenia has sought alternative suppliers, including India, signing contracts for 155mm ATAGS towed howitzers, Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems, and Akash air defense systems. Additionally, Armenia is transitioning toward NATO-standard artillery, incorporating Western military education systems and command approaches. Armenia has distanced itself from Russia's security role, as Moscow did not intervene during the 2022 border conflict with Azerbaijan. This led Armenia to invite an EU monitoring mission, comprising 103 civilian members, while Armenia has effectively halted its participation in CSTO activities.

Azerbaijan's armed forces, consisting of 64,050 active personnel (57,800 in the Army, 1,750 in the Navy, and 8,650 in the Air Force) and 300,000 reservists, focus mainly on territorial defense. Azerbaijan maintains a conscript-based system, with service terms of 18 months (12 for graduates). The country has shifted from reliance on Russian military support to establishing defense ties with Israel, Turkiye, and Pakistan, signing agreements such as the 2021 "Shusha Declaration" with Turkiye and engaging in joint exercises like the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023 in October 2023. Additionally, Azerbaijan signed bilateral defense cooperation agreements with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in 2023 and has developed limited but expanding domestic defense-industrial capabilities through its Ministry of Defence Industry.

Azerbaijan has acquired various military equipment from Israel, including dozens of Plasan Sandcat armored vehicles, a remote-sensing satellite, and Barak air defense systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Plasan Stormer is an armored vehicle developed by the Israeli defense company Plasan, intended for use in military and security operations. The vehicle features composite armor designed to protect against small arms fire, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other common battlefield threats. Its modular design allows for reconfiguration to suit different mission requirements, such as personnel transport, reconnaissance, and combat support. Additionally, the Stormer includes active protection systems (APS) capable of detecting and intercepting incoming projectiles.

As part of the Sandcat family, the Plasan Stormer is typically powered by a diesel engine producing around 500 horsepower, coupled with a transmission system that manages power distribution and fuel efficiency. The vehicle is built for all-terrain performance, featuring high ground clearance, reinforced suspension, and run-flat tires to navigate various landscapes, including rugged and urban environments. It is equipped with an electronic stability control system and four-wheel steering, improving maneuverability. The Stormer includes sensors and navigation systems to support situational awareness and coordination for the crew.

The Plasan Stormer is designed to possess a payload capacity of approximately 2,500 kilograms. This capacity allows for the transportation of equipment, ammunition, and additional personnel as needed for different missions. The vehicle has an operational range of up to 800 kilometers on a single fuel tank, supported by fuel management systems that help extend its operational time. The interior includes seating designed for crew comfort, climate control, and communication systems to facilitate effective operations during extended missions. The platform is adaptable for integrating various weapon systems, surveillance equipment, and electronic countermeasures, providing flexibility for different military and security applications.

The Spike NLOS offers both direct (LOBL) and indirect (LOAL) attack modes and can be launched in day or night conditions from ground, air, or naval platforms. (Picture source: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

The Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) is part of the Spike missile family developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, following lessons from the Yom Kippur War that demonstrated the need for a high-precision, guided tactical ground-to-ground missile. It was first introduced into service by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1981 alongside the Pereh missile carrier, but public acknowledgment of the system did not occur until 2011. Since then, the missile has undergone several upgrades, with the latest 6th-generation model introduced in 2022, featuring a longer range of up to 50 km for aerial platforms and enhanced targeting capabilities.

The Spike NLOS has a maximum range of 32 km when launched from ground or sea platforms and up to 50 km from aerial platforms. The missile weighs approximately 70 kg and utilizes electro-optical (EO) guidance, with a fiber optic link used up to 8 km and a radio data link employed beyond this distance for command guidance. It offers both direct (LOBL) and indirect (LOAL) attack modes and can be launched in day or night conditions from ground, air, or naval platforms. The system incorporates a multi-spectral high-resolution seeker, a real-time data link, and capabilities such as target retargeting, mission abort, and multiple warhead options, including anti-armor, blast-penetration, and high-explosive fragmentation warheads.

The Spike NLOS is in use by 43 countries, including Israel, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United States. The UK adopted different versions for counter-insurgent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, using the designation "EXACTOR." South Korea purchased the Mk. 5 version in 2011. The US Army has also incorporated the Spike NLOS, conducting tests with the missile on AH-64E Apache helicopters, achieving hits at ranges up to 32 km. The Israeli Navy operates a maritime variant with a stated range of 32 km, equipped with a dual passive electro-optical guidance system and infrared imaging capabilities.

The Plasan Sandcat's modular design allows for reconfiguration to suit different mission requirements, such as personnel transport, reconnaissance, and combat support. (Picture source: Army Recognition)