The EU’s interest in acquiring the Israeli-origin SPIKE-NLOS weapon system has been known for a long time. The final signatures for the supply of the system are expected within the next period. Here just to mention that the intention of the EU is to acquire a total of 27 systems, in order to form a capable strike force at a distance.
It is noted that each system consists of three launchers, a command vehicle as well as a UAV that performs targeting procedures.
The Israelis have proposed to the GES staff to acquire the ORBITER 3 to conduct the targeting missions. The unmanned aircraft gives the positions of the enemy targets in time and with absolute precision and in general the image of the tactical situation so that the missiles can then be launched. The maximum range is of the order of 32 kilometers.
The SPILE NLOS weapon systems are expected to be used operationally by the Anti-Tank Companies of the ES Formations based in the 4th SS and ASDEN. Here let’s just present the idea of forming Anti-Tank Battalions in each Major Formation (Division) of the E.S. consisting of 4 pure Anti-Tank Companies each equipped indicatively with SPIKE-NLOS, ALAS, JUMPER and NIMROD 3 systems. But that’s another matter which we will explain in more detail when the time comes.
This article deals with the type of carrier on which the SPIKE-NLOS systems will be mounted.
So far candidate SPIKE-NLOS carrier vehicles have been mentioned Plasan’s SandCat, JLTV and others. It is noted that the “HOPLITE” of EODH SA is superior to the above in the areas of armour, layout and agility. Especially Plasan’s SandCat, although it was proposed to the National Guard, was not acquired.
Here we will propose the installation of this particularly lethal system in the Greek designed, developed and manufactured “HOPLITE” vehicle of EODH SA stationed in Lakkoma, Halkidiki. The vehicle in question is, in our opinion, an ideal carrier of the systems in question since it has sufficient space, high tactical agility and modern armor.
Each “HOPLITE” or “OPLITIS” Hellenistic vehicle is powered by a 5.7-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 300 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque, just from 1,200 rpm. The drive reaches all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a top speed of 120 km/h and a range of 700 km.
With a length of 6,120 mm, width of 2,370 mm, height of 2,640 mm. and a wheelbase of 3,600 mm, the vehicle has significant cargo space, while its SPIKE-NLOS carrier version has already been presented to the special press.
In addition to the tactical/operational benefits of any selection of HOPLITE as a carrier of SPIKE-NLOS, the benefit that will be obtained at an economic-industrial level is also important, by securing a significant EPA on the one hand and gaining industrial experience on the other, while they should not be underestimated and the system’s export prospects. Of course, the benefit in being able to support the carrier vehicle will also be important since it was designed and manufactured domestically.
In conclusion, we can say that the adoption of the HOPLITE combination with SPIKE-NLOS seems to fit “glove” to the operational requirements of the EU, as it is not enough to acquire any weapon system, but the conditions for maximizing the overall economic and operational investment on it.
