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In February 2021, the Bundeswehr ordered a fourth batch of 666 Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles for the multi-role light guided missile system (MELLS). Diehl Defense supplies the guidance and control assemblies including the high-resolution dual-mode seeker head as well as the warhead and carries out the final integration.

Die Hochleistungs-Effektoren zur präzisen Bekämpfung gepanzerter Boden- und Infrastrukturziele sollen 2024 über die EuroSpike GmbH – das Gemeinschaftsunternehmen von Diehl, Rheinmetall und Rafael, das zuständig für Programmmanagement und Vermarktung der Spike-Lenkflugkörper in Europa ist – an die Bundeswehr geliefert werden.

In addition to dismounted use with a portable CLU (Command and Launch Unit) weapons system, the missiles delivered by the Diehl Integration Center in Saarland are also used to arm the Bundeswehr's Marder and Puma armored personnel carriers and the Wiesel weapons carrier.

During operations, soldiers benefit from the highly developed seeker head technology and the special warhead architecture of the lightweight, compact effector. The free choice between day and night vision mode offers reliable and stable target tracking even in changing visibility conditions.

In the MELLS framework agreement, which was concluded in 2019, a maximum quantity of 11,500 guided missiles and 214 weapons systems was agreed. With the 4th lot now decided, the orders to date add up to 2,166 rockets. There remains a remainder of 9,334 rockets. The total amount of weapons systems has been exhausted with the planned call-off.

Gerhard Heiming

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