The Spike NLOS provides a significant upgrade, enabling precision strikes on targets up to 32 kilometres away. This is four times the effective range of the AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), enhancing the Apache’s long-range attack capabilities.
The integration of Spike NLOS is part of the US Army’s Interim Long-Range Precision Munition (I-LRPM) programme. The decision to adopt the system was made in 2020, with testing conducted on earlier Apache versions before full certification on the latest AH-64E v6 model in 2024.
Deployment of the Spike NLOS began in August 2023, with only three attack units receiving the new missiles. These include the 1-229th Attack Battalion, the 2-17th Air Cavalry Squadron, and the 1-3rd Attack Battalion, which is currently participating in multinational training exercises in Europe.
The addition of Spike NLOS to Apache helicopters strengthens the US Army’s ability to engage high-value targets and enemy air defence systems from extended ranges. As NATO forces continue to enhance interoperability, this new capability plays a key role in modern battlefield operations.
