Varley Rafael commits to Australian Spike production
15 March 23
Varley Rafael Australia has confirmed its commitment to deliver Australian production capability of Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile and integration launcher system kits.
The Australian engineering Varley Group and Israeli guided weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems partnership made the announcement on 14 March, as it focuses on supplying advanced guided weapon systems entry into the Australian Defence Force.
Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) already manufactures and delivers launcher and missile control elements (SIKs) into the Rafael supply chain for Rheinmetall’s LAND 400-2 boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles.
“The SIKs’ strictly controlled production assembly activities were successfully undertaken outside of Rafael’s Israel facilities for the first time, utilising VRA’s highly skilled engineering personnel and demonstrating Rafael’s commitment to transfer of advanced technology to Australia,” a VRA spokesperson said.
“Activities were undertaken utilising live video and 3D instructional software with Rafael’s subject matter experts in Israel, supporting VRA undergoing highly structured training and quality assurance, first article inspection and low rate initial production activities leading to full approval by Rafael.
“As Spike LR2 has been selected for LAND 400-2, LAND 400-3 and LAND 159 Defence programs, VRA believes it has a solid business case fully aligned with government’s GWEO enterprise approach.”
Source: Defence Connect