The US Army, in collaboration with the Polish Air Force, recently conducted a groundbreaking joint live-fire test of the Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile systems, marking a significant milestone as it was the first instance of American forces deploying this weapon in Europe.
The test took place along Poland’s northern coastline, where an AH-64E v6 Apache Guardian helicopter from the army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade successfully launched two Spike NLOS missiles. Both missiles achieved their targets, which were positioned at sea and located up to 25 kilometers (16 miles) away. This exercise not only showcased the precision strike capabilities of the missile system but also demonstrated its effectiveness in engaging targets at ranges beyond visual sight.
The US Army emphasized that this evaluation underscored the missile’s practicality for maritime operations and its versatility when launched from rotary-wing platforms. Furthermore, the event served as a valuable training opportunity for Polish forces, who are familiarizing themselves with the AH-64E as part of ongoing military modernization efforts.
Senior leaders and defense officials from various allied nations were present to observe the demonstration, underscoring NATO’s strategic emphasis on enhancing precision strike capabilities along its eastern flank amid growing regional security concerns.
The Spike NLOS missile, developed by Israeli defense firm Rafael, is engineered for precision strikes against a range of targets, including heavy vehicles and naval crafts. Depending on the variant, the Spike NLOS can neutralize threats from distances up to 50 kilometers (31 miles). It offers various effects, such as high-explosive anti-tank or fragmentation ordnance, tailored to specific mission requirements.
Equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared guidance systems, the Spike NLOS allows operators to receive a live video feed, enabling real-time adjustments to its flight path for accurately targeting moving or unexpected threats. Beyond helicopter platforms, the missile can also be launched from ground vehicles, naval ships, and fixed installations. Rafael’s family of Spike missiles is currently in service with over 30 countries globally, underlining its widespread acceptance and operational versatility.
