Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense has reportedly signed a $250-million agreement with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to locally manufacture the Spike Firefly loitering munition. According to Intelligence Online, production will take place at a facility in Vietnam, supported by technology transfer from Israel. Once licensing approvals are granted, a Vietnamese company will operate the production line, strengthening the country’s domestic defense industrial base. Known in Hebrew as Maoz, the Spike Firefly is a lightweight loitering munition optimized for urban warfare, where restricted visibility and civilian presence limit conventional fire support. Weighing just 3 kilograms, the system allows infantry units to conduct precision engagements while maintaining situational awareness. It carries a 350-gram fragmentation or shaped-charge warhead and offers effective ranges of up to 500 meters in urban environments and 1,500 meters in open terrain. Endurance ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, with extended standby capability. The system has seen operational use with the Israel Defense Forces, including during fighting in Gaza, underscoring its combat-proven status.
