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 The
Spanish decision was motivated by the missile's asymmetric warfare
versatility, including high precision, and capability to engage
targets in urban environment, based on the system's accuracy,
man-in-the-loop fiber-optic 'fire and update' capability, an
optional mission abort even at the terminal phase, and the availability
of penetration, blast fragmentation warhead, maximizing effect
on target while minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The
missiles will be delivered under cooperation
between General Dynamics Santa Barbara and Rafael Advanced Defense
Systems, signed in 2006 for the delivery of 2,600 Spike
LR missiles under a €324
million contract to equip Spanish ground forces. The current
work share between teh parties was reversed, with Santa Barbara
getting 40% of the contract while RAFAEL will get 60%. Before
selecting the Spike ER the Spanish forces considered Lockheed
Martin's Hellfire II selected by the French and Australian armies
and MBDA's Trigat LR, opted by the German Army.
The Spanish contract is a breakthrough for RAFAEL not only
for its commercial value but since represents the first publicly
released application of the Spike as an airborne armmament.
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