In view of changes in the delivery schedule determined by ordinance no. 443-COTER/C Ex, the Brazilian Army (EB), through the Land Operations Command (COTER), established a new study group to reschedule the Spike LR2 Anti-Tank Missile Reception Plan.
It is worth recalling that at the end of 2021, the EB signed a contract with the Israeli company RAFAEL for the supply of a batch of Spike LR2 missiles and launchers. This purchase involves the incorporation of a 5th generation anti-tank missile, with electro-optical guidance, which can be launched by an infantry soldier or from vehicles (multi-platform), and can be integrated into remotely controlled weapon systems.
Since the agreement began, the EB acquired 100 missiles, ten launchers, ten simulators, along with integrated logistical support and training provided by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Originally, the program envisaged deliveries in three stages, starting in the second half of 2023 and concluding in the second half of the current year.
According to the specialized Brazilian portal Tecnologia & Defesa, the reasons for the delay have not been officially announced, although some sources point to the Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, which would lead to the complete batch not being delivered within the established deadlines. In this circumstance, the new plan involves analyzing the strategic positioning of the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Anti-Tank Company, which is in the process of being established, taking into account aspects related to the preparation and employment of the Land Army, the distribution of simulators, the need for training personnel to form the constituted units, the preparation of the troops to be ready for deployment as soon as possible, along with the definition of complementary guidelines.
Furthermore, the impact of the location of the simulators on the instruction and training process will be studied, as well as a potential change in the operational units for the Spike LR2. According to the latest records, the launchers and simulators would be distributed according to the following scheme:
- 9th Armored Infantry Battalion (29th BIB), in Santa Maria (RS): 4 launchers.
- 4th Tank Regiment (4th RCC), in Rosário do Sul (RS): 2 launchers.
- 6th Mechanized Cavalry Squadron (6th Izq C Mec), in Santa Maria (RS): 2 launchers.
- Armored Training Center (CIBld), in Santa Maria (RS): 2 launchers and 10 simulators.
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