Rafael to Take Spike Missile to Paris Air Show

YERUSHALAYIM
The Spike, or Gil 2 (Rafael)

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be unveiling a range of new military technology this week at the Paris Air Show, notably its fifth-generation Spike multipurpose missile, known in Israel as the “Gil 2.”

It has a range of 3.4 miles when fired from ground launchers and up to 6.2 miles when fired from a helicopter.

According to Rafael, the Spike LR II “is an advanced multipurpose missile, weighing only 28 pounds, and can be launched from any Spike launcher.

“The development of the Spike LR II is based on Rafael’s vast experience in the development of a wide variety of missiles over the years, and was largely possible due to Rafael’s close cooperation with the users at the IDF and other militaries around the world,” said Moshe Elazar, executive vice president and head of Rafael’s land and naval systems division.

In March, an Israel Navy unmanned vessel fired a Spike interceptor missile from a Protector unmanned surface vehicle during a test by Rafael systems. According to the company, the model’s missiles can intercept rocket-propelled grenades and other incoming projectiles.

“This new capability allows pinpoint attack of land or naval targets, enabling safe vessel operation, with no risk to the operating force, from a remote command and control room or from aboard other naval platforms,” Rafael said in a statement.

It was the first such launch and it went well, hitting targets in a series of simulated attacks, according to the IDF.

The missile was launched from a remotely-controlled Protector vessel by Squadron 916, which patrols off the coast of the Gaza Strip. The missile system is reportedly capable of intercepting rocket-propelled grenades and other incoming projectiles.

The new Spike weapon is expected to be deployed in protection of Israel’s ports and offshore natural gas installations.

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