US Army conducts live combat trials of Israeli missile in Iraq, Poland

The US Army has successfully conducted combat trials of the SPIKE NLOS missile system, a long-range precision-guided weapon developed by Israeli defence manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.

The tests were carried out by the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division during an active deployment in Iraq, marking a significant step in the missile’s integration into US military operations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

According to a statement, American military officials described the event as a key milestone during the brigade’s rotation under the Combined Joint Task Force in the Middle East. The SPIKE NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) missile is designed to engage targets at extended ranges — up to 32 kilometres — with pinpoint accuracy, offering a critical advantage in modern warfare scenarios where standoff capability is essential.

“The Spike NLOS missile significantly enhances the range and precision lethality our brigade can deliver,” said the unit’s commanding officer. “This provides ground force commanders with a decisive operational edge in complex environments.”

Simultaneously, coordinated live-fire exercises featuring the SPIKE NLOS were conducted in Europe at Poland’s Central Air Force Training Range. These drills were executed by helicopters of the US Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, in close collaboration with Poland’s Air Force Inspectorate and Ministry of Defence.

The demonstrations drew high-level international attention, with military observers and senior commanders from over ten allied nations — including Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands — as well as NATO air force leadership, attending the exercises. 

By Vafa Guliyeva