German Army to procure hundreds of additional Spike missiles 

The supply of the 25 million euros worth of guided missiles by a joint venture including Israel's Rafael is expected soon 

German Army to procure hundreds of additional Spike missiles 

Photo: Rheinmetall 

The German government has approved a budget of 25 million euros for the purchase of 666 additional MELLS anti-tank guided missiles, the Soldat & Technik website reported.  

The missiles are expected to be delivered soon. The MELLS system, which is based on the Spike missile family of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is distributed in Europe by Eurospike, a joint venture between Diehl Defense, Rheinmetall Electronics and Rafael. The weapon system is largely manufactured by the German parent companies Diehl and Rheinmetall with subcontractors in Europe.

The German Army currently uses the Spike LR, which has a range of 4km, as the guided missile for the MELLS system. The new generation of the Spike, the ICLU, is already being used as an operational weapon system. Future introduction and use of the new generation of LR 2 guided missiles, which have a range of 5.5 km, is expected to create various tactical and operational possibilities. Although the new generation of these weapons systems is tailored to the technology and performance of the LR 2, it is also downward compatible and thus fully supports the capabilities of the LR as well, according to the website.