Rafael USA, a division of Rafael , is preparing to showcase the L-SPIKE 4X Launched Effect missile, which combines high speed, homing, and barrage capabilities, according to a company press release.
The new product will be shown at the annual AUSA exhibition in Washington. It is noted that the L-SPIKE 4X is a missile with a built-in barrage function, and not an unmanned aerial vehicle. It is designed to engage targets at a distance of up to 40 km and is compatible with older SPIKE NLOS launchers.
It is separately noted that the missile can be launched from air, land and sea platforms, and the warhead is available in two main configurations: tandem cumulative (against tanks and other armored vehicles) and multi-purpose.
As for speed, the SPIKE 4X can fly 40 km in five minutes, which means its speed reaches 480 km/h. The system takes no more than 25 minutes to deploy.
The system is designed to operate in difficult conditions, including electronic warfare, and can operate without GPS. The missile has improved communications and artificial intelligence-based functions, including automatic target recognition and image acquisition. In addition, one operator can control and coordinate up to four missiles simultaneously.
"With L-SPIKE 4X we bring SPIKE’s missile pedigree into a new dimension — combining the speed and precision of a missile with the persistence of a Launched Effect. Compatibility with existing SPIKE NLOS launchers enables rapid, practical integration and expands operational options across air, land and sea," said Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
It was previously reported that Lithuania developed the X-WING loitering munition for 10 thousand euros, and it is already being transferred to Ukraine. This munition is essentially a disposable strike drone with a range of up to 50 km. But this figure can be increased.