Varley Rafael Australia plans local anti-tank missile manufacture

Defence contractor Varley Rafael Australia has reaffirmed its plans to build an Australian production capability for the SPIKE LR2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and Integration Launcher System Kits (SIKs).

VRA has already manufactured and delivered SIKs (launcher and missile control elements) back into the global RAFAEL supply chain for Rheinmetall’s LAND400-2 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles.

The SIKs strictly controlled production assembly activities were successfully undertaken outside of RAFAEL’s Israel facilities for the first time, utilising VRA’s highly skilled engineering personnel and demonstrating RAFAEL’s commitment to Transfer of Advanced Technology to Australia.

Activities were undertaken utilising live video and 3D instructional software with RAFAEL’s subject matter experts in Israel, supporting VRA undergoing highly structured training and Quality Assurance, First Article Inspection and Low Rate Initial Production activities leading to full approval by RAFAEL.

As SPIKE LR2 has been selected for LAND400-2, LAND400-3 and LAND159 Defence programmes in Australia, VRA believes it has a solid business case fully aligned with federal government’s GWEO Enterprise approach.

The compan ssaid in a statement: “VRA, as the Joint Venture between Australian engineering company Varley Group and Israeli guided weapons manufacturer RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, is focused on progressing towards producing and supporting RAFAEL’s advanced guided weapon systems entry into the Australian Defence Force.”

Further reading:
VARLEY RAFAEL CLOSES IN ON SPIKE MISSILE MANUFACTURE

Picture: Varley Rafael Australia