Spice 2000
Summary
| Category | Glide Bomb |
| Sub-type | Precision-guided Glide Bomb |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Status | In service |
| Year of service | 2003 |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | High-explosive |
| Warhead weight | 429 kg (946 lb) |
| Guidance | CCD/IR, GPS/INS, DSMAC |
| Diameter | 457 mm (18.0 in) |
| Length | 4,720 mm (185.8 in) |
| Weight | 910 kg (2,006 lb) |
| CEP | 3 m |
| Range | 60 km (37 mi) |
Spice 2000 scale diagram
Description
The Spice 2000 is an Israeli-developed guidance kit used to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. The system is a derivative of the guidance technology used in the Popeye air-to-surface missile. It achieved initial operational capability in 2003 with Israeli Air Force F-16 squadrons.
The kit provides multiple guidance options, including satellite-aided navigation, electro-optical homing, and manual command. The guidance system employs Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) to compare real-time imagery from its seeker against up to 100 pre-programmed target images. If the electro-optical seeker is unable to acquire the target due to visual obstructions or environmental conditions, the munition defaults to GPS/INS guidance. For high-precision strikes, a "man-in-the-loop" mode allows a weapons systems officer to manually steer the munition using a TV or infrared display via a data link. The Spice 2000 is an add-on kit designed for warheads such as the Mk 84, BLU-109, and RAP-2000. It utilizes 12 control surfaces for maneuvers and extended glide flight, allowing launch aircraft to remain outside the range of certain air defense systems.
The system is operated by countries including Israel, India, Greece, Brazil, Colombia, Singapore, and South Korea. Compatible platforms include the F-15, F-16, Mirage 2000, Tornado, FA-50, and F-35. The Indian Air Force used Spice 2000 munitions during a 2019 strike against a training camp near Balakot. The Israeli Air Force deployed the system during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis against the Al-Sharouk Tower in Gaza and again during the 2023 Israel–Hezbollah conflict to target a building in Beirut.