Introduction of L-SPIKE 4X: A Game-Changer in Loitering Munitions

Date and Venue:
Washington, D.C., October 9, 2025
Event: AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition

Rafael USA is set to unveil its latest advancement in loitering munition technology, the L-SPIKE 4X, at the annual AUSA meeting. This sophisticated missile, part of the renowned SPIKE Missile Family, introduces an innovative loitering capability designed to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments.

A Purpose-Built Loitering Munition

Unlike conventional unmanned aerial systems (UAS) adapted for offensive payloads, the L-SPIKE 4X is expressly engineered as a loitering missile. Key features include:

• Engagement Range: Effective at distances of up to 40 kilometers, providing strategic flexibility in targeting capabilities.
• Compatibility: Can be launched from existing SPIKE Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) platforms across various environments—air, ground, and maritime.

Versatile Deployment and Engagement Profiles

The L-SPIKE 4X employs a cutting-edge jet propulsion system, offering the following advantages:

• Rapid Response: Capable of reaching its maximum engagement distance within five minutes under high-speed dash profiles, significantly outpacing many electric loitering munitions.
• Extended Efficiency: For loitering missions, it maintains a presence on station for up to 25 minutes, allowing for time-sensitive target engagements and reconnaissance.

Designed specifically for operation in environments characterized by electromagnetic interference and GPS denial, the L-SPIKE 4X incorporates fortified communication systems to ensure sustained command and control even when faced with countermeasures.

Advanced Autonomy and Operator Assistance

The integration of an advanced autonomy system distinguishes the L-SPIKE 4X from traditional munitions:

• Operator Control: The platform emphasizes man-in-the-loop decision-making, allowing a single operator to monitor and command up to four missiles simultaneously without sacrificing oversight.
• AI Integration: Features capabilities such as automatic target recognition and image acquisition, which enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.

Insights from Leadership

Yoav Tourgeman, CEO & President of Rafael, noted the significance of the L-SPIKE 4X: “This new addition elevates the SPIKE missile’s legacy by combining lethal speed and precision with the persistence intrinsic to loitering munitions. The integration with our legacy launch systems offers rapid and practical deployment across air, land, and maritime domains.”

Conclusion: Implications for Future Warfare

The L-SPIKE 4X positions Rafael USA at the forefront of modern warfare technology, signaling a shift in how military forces engage in contested operational scenarios. As militaries worldwide adapt to increasingly complex battlefields, the introduction of purpose-built loitering munitions such as the L-SPIKE 4X will redefine operational paradigms, expanding tactical options and enhancing mission success rates.

This sophisticated loitering missile not only underscores the evolving landscape of defense technology but also highlights the growing importance of adaptable and resilient systems capable of overcoming the challenges of modern conflict.