The missile that can see around corners and strike from shadows

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Modern warfare requires hitting targets you cannot see. The Spike missile achieves this by unspooling a fiber-optic wire as it flies, allowing operators to track targets behind obstacles or switch targets mid-flight. It is a masterclass in 'fire, observe, and update' technology, turning a projectile into a remote-controlled scout.

Developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike is a multi-variant 'fire-and-forget' missile system. While it can be fired and left to its own devices using an imaging infrared seeker, its most sophisticated variants utilize a fiber-optic wire. This allows an operator to maintain a visual link with the target even if it moves out of the initial line of sight. This 'Lock-on after launch' (LOAL) capability means a missile can be fired speculatively at a target of opportunity or used to provide observation on the other side of a building or hill.

The system is highly modular, ranging from a man-portable 8 kg short-range version to the massive 70 kg Non-Line Of Sight (NLOS) variant. The NLOS version, which entered service with the IDF in 1981, can reach ranges of 32 km. It was born from lessons learned during the Yom Kippur War, highlighting a need for high-precision tactical missiles. To handle modern defenses, the Spike uses a tandem warhead: a precursor charge detonates explosive reactive armor, while the primary charge penetrates the main hull. Newer versions like the Spike LR2 even feature artificial intelligence for smart target tracking and the ability to hit targets at high angles of up to 70 degrees.

The Spike's reach is global. By 2023, Rafael had delivered over 40,000 missiles to 41 countries. Its versatility is evidenced by its diverse roles: it serves as an anti-tank weapon for infantry, a maritime strike tool for the Finnish and Philippine navies, and even a counter-mortar system for the British Army. In a notable 2011 move, the UK hastily adopted the missile from Israeli inventory to combat insurgent attacks in Iraq, eventually developing the 'EXACTOR' variant to replace underperforming early models.

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