Spike LR2 chosen for Boxer
Rafael’s Spike LR2 missile has been chosen as the anti-tank guided missile that will arm the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.
FILE PHOTO: The Rheinmetall Boxer undergoes blast testing at Proof and Experimental Establishment – Graytown, Victoria. ADF photo.
In a joint statement, Minister for Defence Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said Spike was selected after an independent comparative evaluation of potential missile options for the vehicle was conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Group.
“The missile will offer long range, light weight, high resistance to countermeasures and higher technical maturity in the anti-tank role,” they said.
“The Spike missile is the best anti-tank guided missile for the Boxer.
“It will give the Boxer the range and lethality it needs to fight and win the land battle.”
Under project Land 400 Phase 2, Defence will acquire 211 Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles which will provide mobility, lethality and protection for the Australian Army.
Boxer will be manufactured in Queensland, creating up to 1450 jobs across the supply chain.
A new joint venture announced around the same time will see ‘Varley Rafael Australia’ commit to building the Spike LR2 in Australia, employing up to 70 Australians directly with hundreds more in the supply chain.
More than 25 countries now field Spike LR2.
“This commitment by Varley Rafael Australia is a great vote of confidence in Australian industry, and will bring jobs and high-tech knowledge to Australia’s defence industry,” Minister Pyne said.
“Coming soon after the contract signing with Rheinmetall for the acquisition of the Boxer, this is the next step in delivering Australia’s future land combat capability.”
Rafael is one of Israel’s largest defence companies, with a global footprint and around 7500 employees in Israel. They manufacture some of the world’s leading weapon systems, including missiles and anti-missile defence systems.
Varley is one of Australia’s oldest and most advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, with a history of delivery for the ADF, mainly in specialist trailers and modules.
Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) was officially launched as a joint venture yesterday.
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