First U.S. Army Live-Fire of Spike NLOS Missiles in Europe from Apache Helicopters

The U.S. Army and Polish Air Force have conducted their first joint live-fire test of the Spike NLOS missile system in Europe.

The test at the Central Air Force Training Range in Ustka, Poland, involved AH-64E Apache helicopters from the U.S. Army firing two Spike NLOS missiles at sea-based targets, successfully striking at distances up to 26 km.

The campaign was organized by the U.S. Army with support from the Polish Ministry of National Defence and Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the missile’s developer. Senior commanders from the Polish Armed Forces, the Inspectorate of the Polish Air Force, and observers from over ten allied nations attended the event.

U.S. and Polish officials said the integration of Spike NLOS onto Apache helicopters provides extended standoff strike options and flexible engagement against maritime and land-based targets.

The system is also reportedly under consideration for Poland’s incoming fleet of AH-64E helicopters as part of its modernization program.

The Spike NLOS can engage targets at distances up to 50 km, uses electro-optical and infrared guidance, and can be redirected mid-flight. It is launchable from various platforms.