Australia orders Rafael’s Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles: Australia has finalized a finalised a substantial acquisition contract with Israel’s Rafael’s Australian subsidiary Rafael Australia for supply of the Rafael’s Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles to Australian Defence Forces (ADF) under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) systems programme, Rafael Australia said on Tuesday.
This is the ADF’s first GWEO acquisition under the leadership of inaugural Chief of the GWEO Group, Air Marshal Leon Phillips OAM, and represents a significant investment in Australia’s defence and deterrence capabilities.
This acquisition will support the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle capability being delivered under Project LAND 400 Phase 2.
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Rafael’s Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile
SPIKE LR2 anti tank guided missile developed by Israel’s leading defence technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose, multi-platform, combat-proven missile system.
According to the Israeli defence company, Spike LR2 missile has been designed to meet the needs of modern warfare and complex battle space challenges.
It said that through industry-leading investment in innovation, extensive operational experience, and a deep understanding of evolving combat requirements, Rafael continues to be a global leader in Precision Guided Missiles and Counter Missile Systems and Technology.
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Spike LR2 missile contract signing ceremony.
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Will support Australia’s sovereign industrial capacity: Ran Gozali
Ran Gozali, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Executive Vice President and General Manager for Land and Naval Division, said that as a trusted partner and supplier of the ADF for 30 years the company looked forward to continuing to work closely with the ADF and our Australian industry partners to deliver forward-thinking solutions and capabilities that will strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities, and foster investment in Australia’s sovereign industrial capacity.
According to the Israeli defence company, the Albanese Government’s commitment to enhancing Australia’s domestic munitions manufacturing, has opened the door to the development of new sovereign GWEO capabilities in Australia.
“Through our joint venture with the Varley Group, Varley Rafael Australia (VRA), RAFAEL Australia is optimally placed to enhance the ADF’s ‘speed to capability acquisition’, and pursue opportunities to stand up domestic manufacture of selected defence capabilities in Australia for our war fighters and pacific partners,” Ran Gozali said in a statement sent to Defence Star.
Israel’s Rafael is an established supplier to the armed forces of the USA and UK.
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Varley Rafael Australia
The Israeli defence company said Varley Rafael Australia (VRA), a joint venture between Varley and Rafael, is keen to help Australia develop future local manufacturing options as signaled in the Defence Strategic Review, and defence industry development opportunities available through the AUKUS treaty.
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