New missiles to complement the anti-tank capability of the Army
The procurement of the Spike SR and Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile systems will significantly enhance the anti-tank capability of the Army.
Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has approved the Finnish Defence Forces’ proposal for the procurement of Spike SR and LR2 anti-tank guided missile systems. The Ministerial Finance Committee endorsed the procurement at its session held on 1.12.2022.
Primarily developed for engagement to counter main battle tanks, the Spike SR anti-tank guided missile is also effective in destroying armoured fighting vehicles, lightly armoured vehicles and arms fortifications. The Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile enables armoured vehicle annihilation also when launched in no line of sight. Both anti-tank guided missile systems have the type of tandem charge warhead equipped with a precursor charge that will offer armour penetration by overcoming the explosive reactive armour of an armoured vehicle.
- Together with our currently operational weapon systems, this modern missile equipment that represents the most upgraded technology will form a comprehensive anti-tank system entity. The new anti-tank guided missile systems will significantly strengthen our anti-tank capability, Inspector of Infantry, Colonel Juhana Skyttä from the Army Command says.
Produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, the Spike SR and LR2 anti-tank guided missiles will be procured via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. The procurement will also include equipment for training, portability, command and launch.
The total value of the procurement will be c. EUR 213 million. The funding will be as per the governmental supplementary budget that included allocation of supplementary funding for rapidly initiated defence materiel procurement.
For additional information on the already commissioned anti-tank missile systems of the Finnish Defence Forces, please see the FDF materiel and equipment gallery:
• NLAW
• Anti-Tank Guided Missile System, Euro-Spike PSTOHJ 2000 M
• Light Anti-Tank Weapon 66 KES 88 ORAK
• Light Anti-Tank Weapon 66 KES 12 PST
• Heavy Anti-Tank Weapon, Disposable, 112 RSKE APILAS OKR
More information on the SPIKE SR and LR2 anti-tank guided missiles:
The Spike SR is primarily meant for use against main battle tanks but it is also utilisable for destroying armoured fighting vehicles, lightly armoured vehicles and arms fortifications. A disposable man-portable anti-tank guided missile, the Spike SR employs a fire-and-forget guidance method. The missile’s seeker head has an EO/IR homing guidance system that locks-onto the target and after launch follows the homing guidance independently regardless of the target’s movement. The tandem charge warhead of the missile comprises a precursor charge that defeats the explosive reactive armour of an armoured vehicle thus allowing its penetration.
Technical specifications:
Missile length: 98cm
Total weight with launcher: 9.6kg
Range: 50-2,000m
The Spike LR2 is an advanced generation anti-tank guided missile of the Anti-tank Guided Missile System PSTOHJ 2000M that enables destroying main battle tanks also when launched in no line of sight. The missile’s trajectory impact angle can be selected by its launcher up to 70 degrees thus allowing targeting the less protected roof of a tank’s turret. Equipped with a proximity fuze and a tandem charge warhead with a precursor charge, the missile penetrates an armoured vehicle after having overcome its explosive reactive armour.
Technical specifications:
Missile length: 114cm
Total system weight: c. 27kg
Range: 5,500m
Spike LR2
Photos: Rafael
