Spike-NLOS Test-fired by US Army Apache, Other Services Interested
Over the final week of August at the Yuma Proving Grounds, the US Army conducted 5 test launches of the Spike-NLOS missile from an AH-64E Apache. This was the final step in a series of tests that first saw Army officials travelling to Israel to observe tests last year and then sending personnel to be trained on the system and test fire it from Israeli AH-64Ds this July.
Spike-NLOS offers Army helicopters a unique ability to engage enemy air defenses without putting themselves in harm’s way. This is achieved by both the missiles long-range (32km compared to 8km for Hellfire) and its radio command datalink which allows the missile to relay what it sees through its EO/IR sensor back to the launch aircraft allowing for target selection mid-flight. This allows targets whose location isn’t precisely tracked to be engaged but more importantly allows the aircraft to loft the missile from behind cover.
During the tests, the AH-64E engaged a target that was on the opposite side of a mountain, receiving target data from a UAV. The target was made to resemble the Russian Tor short-range air defense system, strongly hinting at the weapons mission. Spike-NLOS is not intended to replace JAGM, the replacement for Hellfire, but rather to supplement it. JAGM has the advantage of having all-weather fire & forget capability thanks to its radar seeker and is also about 20kg lighter. Whether the Army intends to procure Spike-NLOS isn’t clear, the Army has said the tests are being used to inform a requirement that will be finalized next year. This could result in either a developmental program for Future Vertical Lift or buying Spike off-the-shelf for Apache. Spike-NLOS is already in service as an air-launched weapon with the IDF (from AH-64D Apache), Columbian Army (from AH-60L Arpia) and the South Korean Navy (from AW159 Wildcat).
Other services have also shown interest in Spike-NLOS. Most recently at Modern Day Marine 2019, a version of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle was shown with a 4-round launcher for Spike-NLOS, though the USMC has not shown official intention to procure it. Much more likely to buy is USSOCOM, who has put out requirements for an Organic Precision Strike System. This will be a loitering missile that can be launched from small boats, light vehicles, or possibly from a manpack. The service is looking at both Spike-NLOS and HERO-120, a slower and lighter weapon more optimized for loitering. Spike-NLOS is too heavy to manpack but has already been mounted on light buggies like the Polaris MRZR.
