Despite the important efforts recorded years ago, the Argentine Army still lacks greater anti-tank means for its infantry units. Among the latest acquisitions in this large segment were the Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless cannons and AT4 disposable rocket launchers acquired from the Saab firm. Also on another level, the TOW II missile launchers acquired several decades ago and used from mobile platforms such as utility vehicles of the HUMVEE family are listed. However, and in line with current conflicts, the EA does not have a true laser-guided anti-tank missile (ATGM) system. That way, In view of the multiple reequipment proposals by Israeli authorities, they have hinted at the possibility of providing the force with its missiles from the Spike LR2 family developed and manufactured by the RAFAEL company..
It is not new that, thanks to the TAM 2C-A2 Modernization Program, it has allowed the traction and positioning of different Israeli companies as suppliers of high-tech equipment for the Argentine Army. In addition to the modernization of the main armored combat vehicle carried out in cooperation with the firm Elbit Systems, One of the latest great milestones has been the incorporation of the first batches of loitering ammunition from the HERO family provided by the Uvision firm..
With this background, new proposals have been presented to the Argentine Army for the acquisition of equipment to incorporate new capabilities for combat against armored vehicles by infantry units. Despite its sophistication, the M4 and AT4they do not allow them to be weapons to be used at very close range by the troops, requiring a system with greater range and guidance.
Faced with this situation, representatives of the Israeli military industrial complex have raised a first proposal based on the provision of Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, in order to be incorporated in initial batches to begin a familiarization process in order to generate the necessary doctrine of employment and use by the Argentine Army. However, despite the initial positive reception, this must be evaluated within the necessary feasibility studies, as well as overcome the difficult economic and financial situation that the country is going through..
Part of the family of Spike ATGM type missiles, RAFAEL presents the Spike LR2 as one of the latest extended range variants of the projectile, highlighting its versatility, ease of use and operational range. Although developed for use in infantry, it has also demonstrated great adaptability to aerial and ground platforms.
Used by 43 operators worldwide, this version of the Spike has a range of up to ten kilometers, even managing to deal with targets beyond the operator’s range of vision. From RAFAEL officially expressing that: “The missile has multiple operational modes (Fire and Forget, Fire and Observe, and Fire at Target Coordinates), offering unparalleled performance and high lethality. SPIKE LR2 includes a powerful Tandem HEAT warhead that can defeat any of today’s tanks, vehicles or maritime vessels and can be used in urban combat against structural targets found in urban environments for the detonation of structures”.
*Photographs used for illustration.
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