Lockheed Martin has announced that its Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missile system has been down selected by the U.S. Army for the Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) competition.
The award covers the first phase of work to develop and test a prototype precision-guided missile system for use by Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT).
According to Lockheed Martin, the selection was followed by a demonstration at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah in which three missiles were fired, each striking its target. One engagement was against an unobstructed target, while two were against targets without a direct line of sight.
The company said the vehicle-mounted trials highlighted Spike NLOS’s ability to hit long-range targets from IBCT platforms. The U.S. Army is seeking to close what it describes as a capability gap in organic, ground-launched precision strike options for light combat formations.
“Our matured Spike NLOS system provides the U.S. Army with an advanced defense solution that delivers direct-strike and long-range capability in combat operations where maneuverability, reconnaissance and security matter most,” said Casey Walsh, Lockheed Martin’s Multi-Domain Missile Systems program director, in a press release.
“We understand the importance of the M-LRPSM Directed Requirement and look forward to working with the U.S. Army to demonstrate how Spike NLOS is the ideal choice when it comes to combat agility and increased operational flexibility.”
Lockheed Martin noted that Spike NLOS is already qualified under the Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. It has also been ground-tested and integrated on Oshkosh’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle for U.S. Special Operations Command.
The company said it intends to adapt this “matured” system for the M-LRPSM competition, allowing for faster fielding to IBCTs. The next stage will involve safety testing and a further narrowing of the competition, with a final selection expected after the completion of phase two.
Meanwhile the Army are reportedly putting a single Javelin on top of some Boxers.
Better than effectively nothing. But I read:
The launcher is vulnerable to damage from enemy action.
It cannot be reloaded from within vehicle.
It is single shot only.
I assume Javelin is also shorter ranged than this, and non LOS.
So potentially putting Boxer in harms way if Tanks are what they have in mind.
Shouldn’t they be hitting Tanks with things like this, or using Javelin from a team hidden in a ditch, and not risking such an expensive vehicle?
And whatever happened to the proposals to put Brimstone launcher on an Ajax or Boxer as Overwatch, for a true replacement of Swingfire?
Also, the RA already operated Spike NLOS, as Exactor. In small numbers. Why was this capability not expanded if Spike NLOS is as capable as I read?
Correction. Meant to say assume Javelin is LOS.
LM, hm.. Do you see something very familiar? .But the law is the law…
Really frustrating isn’t it. We have I believe supplied a version of Brimstone (3?) in quad mounts on a SupaCat 6×6 chassis to UKR. BS3 if true is supposed to be capable of being ground launched, if so why not put 2 x quad packs on a SC 6×6 and supply to the Boxer formations as overwatch or whatever?
Surely we must know if this concept works by now. Can’t be beyond our collective wit to see a solution when one presents itself!
If not BS3, then why not Spike NLOS on the same vehicle, would be far cheaper then a totally new design and or fitting it on a V expensive Boxer chassis. More bang for the £ so to speak. Can’t see what’s not to like myself.
Even in Ukraine we have videos of the bradley mounted TOW missiles being used effectively, so its a good capability in case your IFV runs across a tank or troops in cover. I believe the US is now replacing the TOW with javelin on their bradleys but I could be thinking of something else- i know they’re putting javelin on some APCs/IFVs. The newest variant of Javelin also has a proven range of at least 4,750 meters.