Romania signs defense acquisition deal with Eurospike consortium for Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles.

On February 18, 2024, Romania agreed to acquire Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles. This four-year agreement concluded with Eurospike GmbH underlines Romania's commitment to strengthening its defense posture and positioning itself more assertively on the international stage.
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Eurospike GmbH Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles (Picture source: Eurospike GmbH)

The Romanian defense entity, Romtehnica, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of National Defense, signed this historic framework agreement valued at over 426 million lei, VAT included, with Eurospike GmbH. This consortium represents a collaboration between German giants Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and an Israeli subsidiary, thus symbolizing a robust international partnership in defense technology.

The Spike LR2 missiles, at the heart of this agreement, result from innovation by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a name synonymous with advancement in the defense sector. Used by the Israeli army in various conflicts, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, these 5th-generation missiles have proven their effectiveness and reliability on the battlefield. The integration of these systems into the Romanian military arsenal through direct negotiation, by current laws on military acquisition, underscores the strategic importance of this agreement for improving Romania's defense readiness.

This partnership between Romtehnica and Eurospike GmbH is not just a commercial transaction; it is a declaration of intent by Romania, showing its commitment to securing its national defense by integrating advanced weapon systems. The Spike LR2 missiles, with their proven track record, represent a formidable addition to the Romanian military arsenal, enhancing its deterrence capability and defense posture on the international scene.

The agreement to purchase the Spike LR2 missiles strategically places Romania more robustly in the global defense arena. This acquisition, facilitated by Romtehnica on behalf of UM 01144 in Roman, Neamț, where the 3rd Logistics Base 'Zargidava' operates, signifies a leap forward in Romania's defense capabilities. It is part of a series of strategic defense acquisitions, highlighting Romania's proactive approach to modernizing its military forces and preparing for contemporary and future threats.

The Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, represents a significant advancement in military technology. This fifth-generation missile is known for its "fire and forget" capability, ensuring high performance and lethality. Weighing approximately 13kg, with the ground launcher adding another 12kg, the Spike LR2 can engage targets up to 5.5km away when launched from the ground, and up to 10km from a helicopter.

The missile features an advanced electro-optical seeker that integrates an uncooled infrared sensor and a high-definition color day sensor. This seeker is powered by AI, providing smart target tracing capabilities that ensure lock-on under extreme conditions and against multiple targets. Moreover, the missile's guidance and control systems enable the engagement of targets without the gunner's intervention post-launch, and its lofted trajectory allows for a steep angle of attack. This capability is especially important for engaging targets that are beyond the line of sight or in difficult terrains.

The Spike LR2 can carry two types of warheads: a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead for improved armor penetration and a multipurpose blast warhead designed for increased lethality against reinforced targets, vehicles, and marine vessels. This versatility, combined with the ability to be launched from various platforms, including infantry, armored vehicles, attack helicopters, and naval vessels, makes the Spike LR2 a formidable addition to any military arsenal.

This missile's design includes four fins at the rear and four wings at the center of its body, ensuring stability, and guidance during flight, and lift. The total system, including the missile and launching tripod with a fire control unit, demonstrates commonalities with other missiles in the Spike family, reducing production, acquisition, maintenance, and training costs.

With over 33,000 units operational in 33 countries, the Spike LR2's global presence underscores its strategic importance in modern warfare, offering unparalleled capabilities in anti-tank and precision-guided systems.