The firing campaign was conducted over five days and included a total of 17 successful missile launches. According to Diehl Defence, the trials were intended to evaluate the structural load-bearing capability of the Ziesel platform under live firing conditions.
The company stated that the unmanned platform demonstrated strong operational performance throughout the tests and successfully withstood the stresses generated during missile launches. Spike LR is designed as an anti-armour guided missile system capable of engaging armoured targets with high precision.
According to Diehl Defence, the missile uses advanced all-weather optronic sensors to achieve precise targeting and high penetrating power. The company stated that the firing campaign demonstrated the operational potential of integrating guided missile systems onto unmanned ground platforms.
Diehl Defence said the tested Ziesel platform incorporates both hardware and software improvements compared with earlier versions of the vehicle. According to the company, the unmanned ground vehicle has previously been tested in several operational configurations, including logistics support and casualty evacuation missions.
The latest tests marked the first use of the Ziesel as an effector carrier equipped with a guided missile system. According to Diehl Defence, the vehicle can also be integrated with the company’s PLATON autonomy kit, enabling fully autonomous operation.
The company stated that the Ziesel platform is currently undergoing evaluation by several armed forces, including those of Germany and Ukraine. Diehl Defence added that interest in unmanned ground-based systems continues to increase as armed forces seek to reduce personnel exposure in dangerous operational environments.
Following completion of the firing trials, the participating companies stated that they intend to continue development of the concept and move forward with additional milestones. According to Diehl Defence, a future demonstration for representatives of multiple armed forces is also planned to present the operational capabilities of the Ziesel platform combined with the Spike LR missile system.
