Originally published on January 7, 2014

South Korea announced on Friday (January 3) that it will be equipping its new fleet of Wildcat maritime helicopters with Israeli-made Spike missiles.

Rafael's Spike NLOS missile is a man-portable missile that can lock on to a target before launch. In-built motors power the missile's launch and flight, enabling the missile to be fired from confined spaces. The Spike missile also has two warheads embedded in tandem for piercing complex armours.

The missile is equipped with the CCD/IIR seeker, which autonomously acquire images to track both static and moving targets. In longer launches, a fiber optic link connecting the missile and the launcher provides the user with real-time images captured through the seeker. This feature uncovers hidden objects and also allows users to adjust targets mid-launch.

The eight AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat Maritime Operational Helicopters that will be purchased for the Republic of Korea Navy over the next two years can each be equipped with four Spike missiles.

Several Spike missiles are already installed in helicopters patrolling islands in South Korea's northwestern islands.

The extended range Spike missile is launched from helicopters or land vehicles and has an effective range of 8 k.m. Each missile costs about US$284,000.

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