Spike NLOS Missile Selected for M-LRPSM: Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Solution for IBCTs

The selection of the Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missile system by the United States Army marks a significant milestone in the evolution of long-range precision strike capabilities for infantry brigade combat teams (IBCTs). Developed by Lockheed Martin, this advanced missile system has been chosen in the initial phase of the Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) competition, a program aimed at equipping light combat units with a versatile and highly effective solution for engaging distant targets. The Spike NLOS system stands out not only for its technological sophistication but also for its operational adaptability, promising to redefine the tactical landscape for ground forces operating in complex and dynamic environments.

M-LRPSM. Photo: lockheedmartin.com

Just one week after the contract was awarded, the Spike NLOS system demonstrated its formidable capabilities during a live-fire test at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. The test involved three missile launches from a ground-based vehicle, all of which successfully hit their designated targets. Notably, two of these targets were obscured from direct line of sight, underscoring the system’s ability to engage threats that are hidden or protected by terrain features. This performance highlights the missile’s precision guidance and advanced targeting capabilities, which are essential for modern combat scenarios where adversaries often exploit cover and concealment to evade detection and engagement.

The Spike NLOS system’s ability to strike targets beyond visual range is a game-changer for ground operations. Traditional missile systems often rely on direct line-of-sight targeting, which can limit their effectiveness in environments with dense vegetation, urban structures, or rugged terrain. In contrast, Spike NLOS leverages a combination of electro-optical sensors, real-time video transmission, and advanced navigation algorithms to locate and engage targets with pinpoint accuracy, even when they are not visible to the operator. This capability provides ground forces with a significant tactical advantage, allowing them to neutralize threats from a safe distance while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.

Operational flexibility is another key strength of the Spike NLOS system. Its compact design and modular architecture enable integration with a variety of platforms, including ground vehicles and rotary-wing aircraft. Prior to its selection for the M-LRPSM program, the system had already been tested on the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), both of which are integral components of the U.S. military’s combat arsenal. These tests, conducted under the auspices of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), demonstrated the system’s compatibility with existing platforms and its ability to deliver precision strikes in diverse operational contexts.

The integration of Spike NLOS with the JLTV is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with the Army’s broader vision of enhancing the lethality and survivability of light combat units. The JLTV, designed to replace the aging Humvee fleet, offers improved mobility, protection, and payload capacity, making it an ideal platform for deploying advanced weapon systems like Spike NLOS. By equipping JLTVs with long-range precision strike capabilities, the Army can extend the reach of its infantry units, enabling them to engage high-value targets without relying on heavier, less mobile assets. This approach supports a more agile and responsive force structure, capable of operating effectively in contested and austere environments.

The next phase of the M-LRPSM competition will involve rigorous safety testing and further evaluations to determine the system’s suitability for full-scale deployment. These assessments will examine the missile’s performance under various conditions, its interoperability with other systems, and its compliance with safety and reliability standards. The outcome of this phase will inform the Army’s final decision on whether to adopt Spike NLOS as the standard long-range precision strike solution for IBCTs. If selected, the system could be fielded across a wide range of units, significantly enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct precision engagements in support of maneuver operations.

Beyond its immediate tactical benefits, the adoption of Spike NLOS reflects a broader shift in military strategy toward networked, multi-domain operations. Modern warfare increasingly involves the integration of capabilities across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains, with an emphasis on rapid decision-making and coordinated action. Systems like Spike NLOS, which can be operated remotely and provide real-time intelligence, are well-suited to this paradigm. They enable commanders to maintain situational awareness, synchronize effects across domains, and respond swiftly to emerging threats. In this context, the missile system serves not only as a weapon but also as a sensor and a node in the broader operational network.

The development and deployment of Spike NLOS also underscore the importance of innovation and collaboration in defense acquisition. Lockheed Martin’s success in the M-LRPSM competition is the result of years of research, testing, and partnership with military stakeholders. By working closely with end users and incorporating feedback from field trials, the company has refined the system to meet the specific needs of modern combat units. This iterative approach to development ensures that the final product is both effective and user-friendly, capable of delivering reliable performance under the demanding conditions of real-world operations.

Moreover, the selection of Spike NLOS highlights the Army’s commitment to equipping its forces with cutting-edge technology. In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving threats, maintaining a qualitative edge is essential for operational success. Precision strike capabilities, in particular, are critical for deterring adversaries, protecting friendly forces, and achieving strategic objectives. By investing in systems like Spike NLOS, the Army is positioning itself to confront future challenges with confidence and agility.

As the M-LRPSM program progresses, the implications of Spike NLOS’s potential adoption will extend beyond the battlefield. The system’s success could influence future procurement decisions, shape doctrine and training, and inform the development of complementary technologies. It may also serve as a model for other services and allied forces seeking to enhance their precision strike capabilities. In this way, the impact of Spike NLOS could resonate across the defense community, driving innovation and fostering a more integrated and effective approach to modern warfare.

The selection of the Spike NLOS missile system by the U.S. Army represents a pivotal step in the evolution of long-range precision strike capabilities for light combat units. With its demonstrated performance, technological sophistication, and operational versatility, the system offers a compelling solution to the challenges of modern warfare. As the M-LRPSM competition moves into its next phase, all eyes will be on Spike NLOS and its potential to transform the way ground forces engage and defeat threats. Whether deployed from a JLTV in a remote desert or launched from an Apache helicopter in a dense urban environment, this missile system embodies the future of precision warfare—smart, agile, and relentlessly effective.