The Indian Air Force (IAF) has acquired Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles, which can reach targets from distances of up to 30 km, enhancing its ability to destroy enemy targets concealed behind mountains.
The Israeli Spike NLOS anti-tank guided missiles have reportedly been delivered to India, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon conduct trials of its new acquisition.
According to sources, the Spike NLOS missiles are to be combined with the IAF’s fleet of Mi-17V5 helicopters of Russian manufacture, which would now be able to take out targets from a longer distance and could prove to be quite successful against enemy targets and assets concealed behind mountains or hills.
According to reports, the Ukrainian army has deployed the anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles provided by Western European countries and America efficiently during the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
When the Chinese Army stationed many tanks and infantry combat vehicles close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) opposite the Eastern Ladakh region, the IAF first expressed interest in these missiles almost two years ago.
The sources added that the force would attempt to obtain the missiles in greater quantities through “Make-in-India” projects as the Spike NLOS ATGMs have currently only been ordered in small quantities.
The sources said that the air-launched NLOS ATGMs can launch strikes at their ground targets from a standoff distance, deal significant damage to the opposing tank regiments, and stop their advances.
In light of the threat the nation faced as a result of the Chinese aggression displayed two years ago, both the Indian Army and the Air Force have greatly increased the stock of both domestic and foreign weaponry in their arsenals.
The top leadership of the Indian Air Force has placed a lot of emphasis on indigenization and supported numerous initiatives to develop such cutting-edge machinery and weapons through Indian sources and industry.
