US Special Operations Command inducts new Spike long-range precision strike missile systems

News, US May 16, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S.-based arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin completed the delivery of the Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) long-range precision strike missile system to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

The Spike NLOS is delivered with Oshkosh Two-door Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The induction of the long-range precision strike missile system for USSOCOM was approved after its successful comparability tests with Oshkosh JLTV in 2021.

The Spike NLOS is a multipurpose electro-optical / infrared missile system with integrated rocket motor capabilities to reach a range of 32 kilometers. the USSOCOM’s Spike NLOS is mounted on a JLTV, however, it can also be integrated with aviation and maritime platforms.

Spike is a close combat missile system with NLOS or Non-Line-of-Sight capability that allows the missile to identify and lock geographically concealed targets.

The Vice President of Close Combat Systems at Lockheed Martin Jerry Brode stated, “The combination of Spike NLOS’s long-range and precision-strike capabilities with the JLTV’s superior agility will result in next-level mobility and mission effectiveness for our operators.”

“This advanced weapon system’s real-time video imagery allows operators to alter or abort mission while en route to a target, providing users with more options in critical moments,” Brode added.

Originally developed by Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike missile system was inducted by the Israeli forces as a fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system. After being integrated with Lockheed Martin’s remote launching capabilities, the Spike NLOS can be mounted directly on almost any vehicle and controlled with a standard interface.

*^{Oshkosh Defense unveiled a hybrid-electric version of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle in a virtual event on January 25, 2022. (Image Credit: Oshkosh Defense)}*

At least six countries are using the Spike NLOS missile system, including the United States, to carry out close combat operations. Earlier versions of Spike missile systems were profoundly used by the Israeli forces in close combat war scenarios, especially during the 2006 Lebanon War.

In 2020, the Azerbaijan military used Spike NLOS missiles during the conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh against Armenia. The Azerbaijan military used the Spike NLOS missile system with the Israeli made Plasan SandCat composite armored vehicles as well as Soviet-designed Mil Mi-17 military helicopters.

ALSO READ: Oshkosh Defense unveils hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle for US Army

The Oshkosh JLTV is a relatively new addition to the U.S. military forces. Oshkosh Defense is a U.S.-based tactical vehicle manufacturer that produces military-grade trucks and armored bodies.

Most modern Oshkosh vehicles are air-transportable including the JLTV used along with the Spike NLOS. Oshkosh has also delivered the first unmanned JLTV that is capable of launching Naval Strike Missiles. Apart from that, the company is also working to develop hybrid energy warfare vehicles focused on silent drive features for close contact missions. These vehicles are being termed eJLTV.