Hungary signed a deal with Israel for the delivery of Spike LRII anti-tank missiles, the Defense Procurement Agency (VBÜ) announced. The contract was signed by Gáspár Maróth, Government Commissioner for Defense Development and Cví Marmor, Vice President of the supplier Rafael Advanced Defense System Ltd.
The first Spike LR2 missiles will serve in the near future integration tests of the weapon system of Lynx infantry combat vehicles being built for the military, the Defense Procurement Agency stated. Following a high trajectory, the spike anti-tank missile attacks its target from above, where they are most vulnerable.
It is also suitable for destroying reinforced armor as well as any target that requires precision destructive power. The Spike LRII is a long-range weapon with an effective range of 5.5 kilometers. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art electro-optical self-guiding head that can be used at night.
It can also be tethered to an optic fiber, providing two-way communication and missile targeting throughout its flight path, significantly reducing the risk of collateral damage. The Spike LRII can be started from combat vehicles, but also from a portable launcher on foot.
The short-range version (SR) of the missile family can be launched from the shoulder, and the extended-range version (ERII) from a special carrier vehicle or helicopter. The Transverse Range (non-line-of-sight) version can destroy targets up to 25 kilometers away.
“If we look only at the last few months, the world is changing at such a rate that today it would be an irresponsible decision towards our own country – our compatriots – if we did not provide a modern army,” Maróth said after signing the deal. “This is a critical element of a system of protection. It was an obligation to buy this for Hungary.”
Last August, Hungary signed a €2 billion ($2.38 billion) agreement with German defense contractor Rheinmetall AG for the delivery of up to 220 Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), the largest Hungarian military purchase since 1990.
The value of the Spike anti-tank rocket deal was not disclosed, but they cost around $210,000 apiece.
Title image: Rheinmetall Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). (source: defpost.com)
