Rafael Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles to Australia

23 August, 2018

The anti-tank guided missile will arm the Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle of the Ausralian Army. Rafael established a local company in Australia to produce the missiles

Photo above: Infantry soldiers carry the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles

The Australian Minister for Defence Industry and the Minister for Defence, confirmed that the Rafael Spike LR2 missile will be the anti-tank guided missile that will arm the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle of the Ausralian Army. Under project Land 400 Phase 2, Defence will acquire 211 Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles which will provide vital mobility, lethality and protection for the Australian Army. The Boxer will be manufactured in Queensland, creating up to 1450 jobs across the supply chain.

The Spike missile was selected after an independent comparative evaluation of potential missile options for the vehicle was conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Group. The missile will offer long range, light weight, high resistance to countermeasures and higher technical maturity in the anti-tank role. “The Spike missile is the best anti-tank guided missile for the Boxer,” said Marise Payne, Minister for Defence.

As part of the win, The Israeli Rafael has established a local company in cooperation with the Australian Varley. The joint venture Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) will produce the Spike LR2 missiles in Australia, employing up to 70 Australians directly with hundreds more in the supply chain. Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said that the commitment by Varley Rafael Australia will bring jobs and high-tech knowledge to Australia. “This will bring IP, know-how and advanced manufacturing techniques to Australia to produce capability for use by the ADF with the potential for export to our friends and allies”.

Rafael is an Israeli defence companies, with a global footprint and around 7,500 employees in Israel. Varley is one of Australia’s oldest and most advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, with a history of delivery for the ADF.

Rheinmetall's Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle
Rheinmetall’s Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle

 

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Posted in: Aerospace & Defense , News

Posted in tags: missile , rafael , spike