Australia inks multi-million dollar deal for Israeli-made missile
Deal with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems sees Australian acquisition of anti-tank Spike 2 missile after testing its abilities; Rafael has also offered Australia its marine and ground Iron Dome system.
Australia's Defense Ministry has chosen to attach the Israeli-produced anti-tank Spike 2 missile to its new armored fighting vehicle, the Boxer.
The deal between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Australian Defense Ministry could amount to millions of dollars, with the Israeli company agreeing—with the approval of the Israeli Defense Ministry—to manufacture the missile in Australia.
The missile's latest generation was selected by Australia after going up against a competing German missile and demonstrating better performances and a preferable integration ability with the Australian army's control system that is manufactured by the Israel-based international defense electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd.
The two missiles underwent firing tests ranging from 2 to 4 kilometers, according to the Jane's Defence Weekly, a magazine reporting on military and corporate affairs.
The missile's next generation, named Gil, ranges to 5.5 Km, weighs 12.7 Kg, and is suitable for launching against tanks and buildings.
The IDF has already ordered 1,000 missiles, and according to foreign sources, Latvia's military has also purchased the missile.
The deal constitutes a significant accomplishment for the Israeli weapons manufacturer which, along with other defense and security industries, is forced to search elsewhere to enlarge the exports of its innovations in accordance with terms imposed on Israel upon signing the 2016 $38 billion aid package with the US State Department.
The 10-year deal—the largest ever delivered by the US to any country in its history—restricted the sums of US-granted money Israel could use on domestic industries.
Rafael also offers Australia its naval and ground Iron dome systems.
Australia previously purchased Rafael's Popeye missiles against ground targets for their fighter jets.
Neither Australia's Defense Ministry or Rafael have yet to officially announce the deal or comment on it.
