What is Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM)?

About Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM)

• It is a fire-and-forget anti-tank and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive warhead.
• It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a defence technology company based in Israel.
• It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.
• Spike missiles are being used by the defence forces of Israel and another 38 countries, including India, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Peru, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, UK,  Philippines, and Singapore.
• Features:
  • It can hit targets from distances of up to 30 kilometres.
  • Weight: 71 kg
  • It uses an electro-optical seeker that enables the launch operator to clearly see targets, unlike missiles reliant on radar or infrared guidance.
  • The seeker is also coupled to a datalink that enables the launch operator to control the missile in flight to attack different parts of a tank or select another target, if not abort the strike.
  • It can be armed with different types of warheads suited to destroy tanks, air defence systems or for use in urban combat.

Q1) What is an electro-optical seeker?

An electro-optical seeker, also known as an EO seeker, is a critical component of many guided missile systems and smart munitions. It is an advanced targeting system that uses electro-optical sensors and technology to track and home in on a target. Electro-optical seekers are commonly used in precision-guided weapons, such as anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and guided bombs.

Source: India Gets Israeli ‘Tank-Killer’ Spike NLOS; IAF To Equip Russia-Made Mi-17V5 With Deadly Missiles

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