Romania Signs New Contract for Enok 4x4 Tactical Vehicles Armed with Israeli SPIKE Missiles

Romania has signed a new contract to acquire a fleet of Enok 4x4 light tactical vehicles manufactured by German company ACS. These vehicles, developed in cooperation with EuroSpike GmbH, will be equipped with SPIKE anti-tank missile systems produced by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The announcement was reported by Army Recognition.

The deal was officially announced by ACS on June 5, 2025, during the SEESOF (South East Europe Special Operations Forces) Forum held in Romania. This procurement reflects Romania’s growing emphasis on agile anti-tank capabilities in line with NATO’s modern warfare doctrines.

The Enok vehicles selected by Romania will feature an open-roof configuration based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis. Developed by ACS for elite units, these vehicles are designed for tactical air transport via aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan, as well as heavy helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook. This configuration enables rapid deployment in forward or logistically challenging environments where heavier and slower armored vehicles are less effective.

Mounted on the roof of each Enok vehicle will be a weapons station integrated with the SPIKE missile system. This positioning allows for 360-degree maneuverability, enabling operators to target enemy armored vehicles with high precision from a mobile platform. The open-roof architecture enhances tactical responsiveness, giving crews quick access to the weapon system for manual or remote operation, reloading, or rapid repositioning during intense engagements.

The SPIKE missile system, developed by Rafael and supplied through EuroSpike GmbH (a joint venture between Rafael, Rheinmetall, and Diehl Defence), is considered a cutting-edge anti-tank solution.

The version chosen for Romania is the SPIKE LR2, featuring a dual electro-optical seeker, "fire-and-forget" and "fire, observe and update" modes, and a maximum ground-launched range of 5.5 kilometers. Its tandem HEAT warhead is capable of penetrating modern main battle tanks equipped with reactive or composite armor.

The SPIKE’s fiber-optic data link allows operators to adjust targeting in real time, switch targets mid-flight, or abort missions when necessary — significantly enhancing operational flexibility in complex or rapidly changing combat scenarios.

The integration of the Enok and SPIKE systems represents a shift in military thinking influenced by lessons learned from high-intensity conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. There, mobile, lightweight units equipped with precision weapons have proven capable of disrupting and neutralizing larger armored formations using speed, maneuverability, and firepower at safe ranges.

Stefan Koppold, Head of Sales Engineering at ACS, emphasized the operational relevance of this approach:
"We clearly see the effectiveness of such a concept in Ukraine, where mobile, lightweight anti-tank units using precision weapons are reshaping defense strategies. That’s why we see this as a viable solution for the German Bundeswehr as well."

Delivery of the new Enok vehicles to Romania is expected to be completed by 2026. Once operational, they will provide Romania’s special forces and rapid response units with a highly capable, fast-deploying anti-tank system that can operate in both urban and rural settings. The acquisition aligns with Romania’s broader efforts to modernize its land forces, enhance interoperability with NATO, and adopt proven Western combat technologies that offer tactical superiority in rapidly evolving battlefield environments.

The Enok’s design allows it to fulfill multiple roles, including reconnaissance, fire support, command and control, and direct action. When armed with the SPIKE missile system, it becomes a dedicated anti-tank platform with long-range strike capabilities and the ability to engage from concealed positions before swiftly relocating. These qualities make it particularly valuable in asymmetric conflict zones, where mobility and rapid response are essential for survival and mission success.