The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received a significant upgrade to its capabilities with the acquisition of Israeli Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles, designed to destroy enemy targets concealed behind geographical features like mountains, are capable of striking targets up to 30 kilometers away. The successful delivery of the Spike NLOS missiles is set to heighten the IAF’s power, with trials for the sophisticated weapon system scheduled in the coming times.
These NLOS missiles will be integrated with the IAF’s Russian-origin fleet of Mi-17V5 helicopters. The unique combination is expected to significantly enhance the force’s capability to neutralize targets at long distances. Particularly, it will be highly effective against enemy targets and assets hidden behind challenging terrain features like mountains or hills.
Interest in these formidable missiles surged within the IAF nearly two years ago. The trigger was the deployment of a large number of tanks and infantry combat vehicles by the Chinese Army near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) opposite the Eastern Ladakh sector. Amidst the tense geopolitical climate, the inclusion of the Spike NLOS ATGMs in the IAF’s arsenal serves as a robust response to potential threats.
At present, these Spike NLOS ATGMs have been ordered in limited quantities. However, the force plans to acquire more missiles through India’s “Make-in-India” initiative, demonstrating a commitment to indigenous production and reduced dependency on imports.
The Spike NLOS ATGMs, when launched from the air, are designed to execute precise strikes at ground targets from standoff distances. Their presence is anticipated to pose a considerable threat to enemy tank regiments, potentially inhibiting their advancements.
In recent years, both the Indian Army and the Air Force have substantially fortified their arsenal, incorporating both Indian and foreign weapons. This enhancement of military power has come in response to the aggression demonstrated by China.
The acquisition of the Spike NLOS ATGMs also resonates with the ethos of the IAF’s top brass, who have been emphasizing indigenization and support for domestic programs producing high-tech equipment and weaponry.
The Spike NLOS missile, a product of the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, comes with impressive features. Available in various configurations, including man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants, it operates on a fire-and-forget system with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance capabilities. The long and extended range versions of the Spike introduce the “Fire, Observe and Update” operating mode, offering higher adaptability during operations.
The air-launched Spike NLOS ATGMs have demonstrated their capability to execute precise strikes from standoff distances, causing significant damage to enemy tank regiments. The missile ensures the highest level of survivability due to its stand-off range and passive guidance, effectively dealing with Anti-access/area denial (A2AD) targets.
In conclusion, the Indian Air Force’s acquisition of the Israeli Spike NLOS missiles marks a significant stride in the enhancement of India’s defense capabilities. The integration of this advanced weapon system not only promises an edge in the battlefield but also symbolizes a significant push towards indigenization of defense production.
