Greek Navy Ships to be Armed with SPIKE Missiles
The Greek Navy is taking a significant step forward in enhancing its defensive capabilities by fitting its vessels with SPIKE missiles. The addition of these advanced missiles will provide the Greek Navy with a highly capable and versatile weapon system, capable of engaging a wide range of targets with precision.
The SPIKE missile system is a state-of-the-art, fire-and-forget missile that can be launched from a variety of platforms, including ground-based launchers, helicopters, and naval vessels. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker that allows it to accurately target enemy positions, even in challenging conditions. The SPIKE missile also has a range of up to 8 kilometers, providing the Greek Navy with a long-range capability that can engage targets at a safe distance.
The acquisition of SPIKE missiles is part of the Greek Navy’s broader efforts to modernize its capabilities and better defend its territorial waters. The Greek Navy has a critical role to play in maintaining security in the eastern Mediterranean, and the addition of SPIKE missiles will significantly enhance its ability to respond to potential threats and protect its interests.
The SPIKE missile system is a highly sought-after weapon, and its integration into the Greek Navy’s arsenal is a testament to the country’s commitment to upgrading its defense capabilities. The acquisition of these missiles will not only improve the capabilities of the Greek Navy, but it will also help to enhance the country’s military-industrial base, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
In conclusion, the Greek Navy’s decision to arm its vessels with SPIKE missiles is a major step forward in enhancing the country’s defensive capabilities. The integration of these advanced weapons will provide the Greek Navy with a highly capable and versatile system, capable of engaging a wide range of targets with precision. The acquisition of SPIKE missiles underscores Greece’s commitment to upgrading its defense capabilities and maintaining security in the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Navy Ships to be Armed with SPIKE Missiles
Greece is moving forward with acquiring SPIKE missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to arm eight naval vessels of varying types.
The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired the Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) which today decided to purchase SPIKE missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the Hellenic Armed Forces. The SPIKE fire-and-forget missiles will arm eight naval vessels of two different types, among others.
The Hellenic Navy will install the Typhoon MLS-NLOS system with 8 SPIKE Long-Range (Non-Line-of-Sight) missiles each on its Machitis-class (HSY56A) patrol vessels. This system will provide sea-to-shore fire support or sea-to-sea targeting capabilities.
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The Machitis-class patrol vessels, a newer design based on the Danish Osprey-55 and built by Hellenic Shipyards, were delivered to the Hellenic Navy from 2003 to 2005. These are considered the most modern and well-equipped patrol boats in their displacement (575 tons at full load) and category, with advanced electronic equipment and weapons.
SPIKE NLOS
The SPIKE NLOS missile, part of Rafael’s multi-generational SPIKE missile family, offers day and night, all-weather, Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) target engagement with ranges up to 32 km. The missile has the ability to gather real-time target data during flight and provides pinpoint accuracy. The system is effective in low-intensity asymmetric engagements, high-intensity anti-armor conflicts, and stand-off combat, and can be equipped with a range of warheads including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), Penetration Blast Fragmentation (PBF) with warhead detonation control, and Fragmentation. It is equipped with a passive dual-mode electro-optical seeker, an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) camera, advanced image processing tracker, and Charge Coupled Device (CCD), which give it its day/night capabilities.
In addition to the Machitis-class patrol vessels, the Hellenic Navy will also be equipping its Mk V special operations craft (SOC) with the SPIKE Extended Range (ER) 2 missiles. The Typhoon MLS-ER system, which will be installed on the stern deck of the four (4) SOCs, will feature four (4) SPIKE ER 2 missiles each. The Mk V SOCs, which entered service in 2021-2022, were donated by the United States and have received several upgrades from the Hellenic Navy, including a new communications suite, navigation radar, and FLIR electro-optical sensor. These advanced capabilities, combined with the SPIKE ER 2 missiles, will provide the Hellenic Navy with a highly effective and versatile platform for a range of missions, from special operations to coastal defense.
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