Defense technology company BAE Systems says it has completed test firings of the Rafael-developed Spike LR (long range) anti-tank guided missile from the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle in a recent series of tests in Sweden.
According to the company, a Spike LR missile mounted on a BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 defeated a target at more than 2,000 meters.
The exercise, which took place in difficult arctic conditions, marked the first time an integrated version of an anti-tank guided missile has been launched from the CV90.
“This integrated anti-tank capability confirms that the CV90 is a true benchmark when it comes to expanding a family of multi-mission armoured fighting vehicles,” said Dan Lindell, CV90 platform director at BAE Systems Hägglunds. “This new capability can alter the battlefield dynamic and is yet another example of how the CV90’s already superior mobility and survivability allows the warfighter to pack an even heavier punch in any terrain or weather conditions, and at any time on any battlefield.”
The December testing took place in northern Sweden in below freezing temperatures with heavy snowfall and low visibility.
“We fully appreciate Rafael and their Spike team for working with us to demonstrate this important capability and look forward to continuing our collaboration to provide present and future customers with this powerful addition to the CV90’s lethality suite,” Lindell said.
BAE Systems is currently executing a Swedish government contract to provide a mortar variant of the CV90 called Mjölner that adds greater mobility to close indirect fire support.
More than 1,200 CV90s of numerous variants are in service with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Spike is a multi-platform, multi-mission and multi-range electro-optical missile family, with 33 users around the world. The 13 kilogram missile has a range of 5,5 kilometers when launched from the ground and features fire-and-forget capabilities, as well as fire, observe and update, allowing attack of hidden targets.
