Germany has finalized a €2 billion ($2.3 billion) contract to purchase Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israel, marking a major reinforcement of the country’s ground-based precision strike capability. The deal, executed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), underscores Berlin’s commitment to enhancing deterrence and interoperability within the alliance amid growing European security concerns.
The agreement was signed with EuroSpike GmbH, a Bavaria-based European joint venture led by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, with Rheinmetall Electronics and Diehl Defence collectively holding an 80% stake. This collaborative structure ensures significant European industrial participation in the program, supporting local production and long-term sustainment.
Beyond the missile acquisition, the package includes maintenance, training, system integration, technical support, and the delivery of comprehensive documentation to ensure full operational readiness for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).
The Spike missile family, already in service with more than 40 nations, is known for its versatility — capable of being launched from shoulder-mounted systems, vehicles, helicopters, and naval platforms. Depending on configuration, Spike variants offer engagement ranges from 50 meters up to 50 kilometers (164 to 164,000 feet). Most production occurs within Europe, enabling Rafael to bypass export restrictions tied to Israeli-manufactured weapons while expanding NATO’s shared industrial defense base.
