Australia intends to acquire Rafael Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile systems

The Spike LR2 as used by the German Army. 

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) announced its intentions to acquire the Spike LR2 missile system from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the Australian Army, and most likely to other branches of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The Spike LR2 missile would fulfil the requirements of the Australian Army under the LAND 159 Lethality Systems Project’s Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon System requirement.

The Australian Army describes the Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon System as an anti-armour guided missile system that will allow dismounted troops to engage and defeat armoured threats in complex, remote and hostile environments. 

This would work together with the Australian Army’s upcoming fleet of Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, which are also to be armed with the Spike LR2 missile.

In addition to the Spike LR2 missile, the Australian Army is also looking at other capabilities under the LAND 159 project, including Short and Medium Range Direct Fire Support Weapons, Lightweight Mortars, and Lightweight Automatic Grenade Launchers.

The Rafael Spike LR2 is a new generation system developed from the Spike LR (Long Range) and was made operational in 2018. It weighs 12.7 kilograms, has a range of 5.5 kilometers, an improved seeker which includes an IR sensor with smart target tracker and artificial intelligence features. 

It also has a counter-active protection system (CAPS) capability which includes the ability to hit targets at higher impact angles.


[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Army Technology
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly