Cyprus hosted an international meeting of SPIKE missile systems users in Larnaca in October, bringing together more than 200 representatives from 23 countries and marking the first international presentation of Rafael’s new L-SPIKE system.
The 21st SPIKE Users Club meeting was hosted by the Cyprus National Guard and organised by Israeli defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, bringing together military delegations and specialists involved in the operational use of the missile systems.
The meeting took place as the international presence of the SPIKE family continues to expand. Four new countries have joined its customer base since the previous gathering, bringing the total number of countries using the systems to approximately 48, according to Rafael.
New L-SPIKE system unveiled
The main highlight of the meeting was the presentation of L-SPIKE, a new loitering munition system designed to expand the operational capabilities of the SPIKE family.
Unlike conventional guided missiles, loitering munitions can remain airborne for a period of time while searching for and engaging targets.
L-SPIKE builds on the technology and operational experience of existing SPIKE systems, allowing users to integrate new capabilities without requiring the complete replacement of their existing launchers.
The meeting also featured new operational applications for the SPIKE LR2 and integration capabilities for the SPIKE ER2 and SPIKE NLOS systems across land, air and naval platforms.
National Guard highlights international cooperation
The event was hosted by the Cyprus National Guard, with its Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Neophytos Pachoulides, highlighting the importance of sharing operational experience among countries using the systems.
He described the SPIKE Users Club as an important platform for exchanging technical and operational knowledge, as well as training experience.
“It helps us learn from other armed forces, apply useful lessons to our own tactical requirements and establish a direct feedback mechanism,” he said.
According to Pachoulides, this cooperation contributes to improvements in training, logistical support and the future development of operational capabilities.
Nine military teams compete in international challenge
As part of the three-day event, nine national teams took part in an international competition assessing their knowledge and operational skills in using the SPIKE LR2 system.
The winning teams completed the competition with live firings of SPIKE SR missiles.
The programme also included a dedicated national experience-sharing day, during which delegations presented their operational approaches and the challenges they face.
Further discussions focused on emerging technologies and opportunities for industrial cooperation.
SPIKE production operates across 13 facilities worldwide
Ran Kaplan, Rafael’s Vice President and Head of its Precision Tactical Weapons Division, said the SPIKE family continues to evolve based on users’ needs and operational experience.
He described the unveiling of L-SPIKE as the next step in the development of the weapons family, combining decades of experience with new loitering munition capabilities.
Kaplan also revealed that 13 SPIKE production lines are currently operating worldwide.
Rafael and EuroSpike, the European joint venture involving Diehl Defence, Rheinmetall Electronics and Rafael, are investing in expanding production capacity.
The aim is to strengthen supply chains and respond more quickly to growing market demand.
Founded in 2003 by countries using the systems, the SPIKE Users Club meets annually and serves as an international forum for sharing experience among armed forces.
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