Page 26 - Australian Defence Magazine - July 2018
P. 26

WEAPONS
ATGM
MMP vs Spike
Surprisingly, given the importance of the ATGM as the CRV’s primary defensive weapon, Spike’s selection was confirmed only in matter-of-fact remarks by Major General David Coglan, Head of Land Sys- tems Division in Defence’s Capability and Sustainment Group (CASG), at Senate Es- timates on 30 May.
This somewhat belated confirmation came 10 days after the selection was first disclosed, albeit without a source being given, by the specialist publication Jane’s Missiles and Rockets.
Subsequently Rafael Australia execu- tive Ido Spitzer referred all questions to Defence, Defence sources denied that an official announcement was imminent, and MBDA Australia Managing Director Andy Watson commented on 29 May that if a government decision had been made, he had not been advised of it.
The Land 400 Phase 2 decision has substantial ramifications, putting Ra- fael in a strong position to also supply ATGM systems for the up to 450 infan- try fighting vehicles to be acquired under
for ADF
THE CHOICE of the Israel-manufactured weapon was no great surprise – it was one of only two contenders for the Land 400 Phase 2 requirement for a turret-mounted missile able to engage main battle tanks at 4,000 metres.
Nevertheless, it faced powerful opposi- tion from the MMP (Missile Moyenne Portee/medium range missile) offered by European missile house MBDA and touted as the world’s first fifth generation land combat missile system to be fully qualified and in full-scale production.
JULIAN KERR | SYDNEY
The selection of the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) to equip Army’s future fleet of Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CVRs) will provide a potent capability developed over nearly four decades of operational service.
26 | July 2018 | www.australiandefence.com.au


































































































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