Missile Spike
Israeli anti-tank missile, entered service in 1981, uses IIR homing and RF data-link guidance.
| Warhead | Tandem High Explosive Anti Tank |
| Diameter | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Length | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Penetration | 700 mm of steel |
| Weight | 14 kg (31 lb) |
| Range | 25 km (16 mi) |
| Max. speed | 550 km/h (Mach 0.6) |
Description
The Spike family of anti-tank guided missiles is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel. Since its introduction in 1997, it has become one of the most widely exported and used ATGM systems in the world. The Spike missiles are known for their versatility, offered in several versions with varying ranges and capabilities, including the Spike-SR (Short Range), Spike-MR (Medium Range), Spike-LR (Long Range), and Spike-ER (Extended Range), among others.
One of the most notable features of Spike missiles is their fire-and-forget capability, provided by advanced imaging infrared seekers. Some versions, like the Spike-LR, also offer a "fire, observe and update" mode, which allows the operator to update the target or even switch targets after launch via a fiber-optic data link. This feature is often referred to as "man-in-the-loop" guidance.
Spike missiles employ tandem warheads capable of defeating modern tanks with composite and reactive armor. Depending on the variant, they can also utilize different attack modes, such as direct attack or top-attack profiles, to exploit the weaker armor on the top of tanks.
The Spike family of missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms, including man-portable launchers, vehicles, helicopters, and naval vessels, making them highly versatile. The range of these missiles varies from 200 meters for the Spike-SR to up to 25 kilometers for the naval version of the Spike-ER.