In a significant military development, the United States has deployed AH-64 Apache attack helicopters equipped with Israeli-made Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) missiles in Iraq. This marks the first operational use of this advanced weapon configuration in an active conflict zone, signaling a major leap in the U.S. Army’s air combat capabilities and highlighting the evolving nature of modern aerial warfare.

According to The War Zone (TWZ), a military affairs website, the deployment of Spike NLOS-armed Apaches provides a critical extension of operational reach and precision strike capabilities. Unlike the traditional AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) typically used by Apaches, the Spike NLOS boasts a superior range of up to 32 kilometers (20 miles). Its multi-mode guidance system allows for both autonomous and operator-controlled targeting, offering unparalleled flexibility in combat scenarios.

A Milestone in Military Integration

The deployment follows a series of operational tests and exercises conducted by the U.S. Army’s 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). Earlier this month, the unit made history by successfully piloting an AH-64 Apache helicopter armed with training Spike NLOS missiles, a pivotal step in integrating the missile system into the Apache’s arsenal.

Colonel Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st CAB, emphasized the significance of this achievement. “Operational testing of the Spike NLOS munitions with the AH-64E V6 onboard systems helps us build readiness for real-world employment and ultimately provides more combat power and capability to the ground force,” he stated in a report by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

The 101st CAB’s deployment in Iraq is part of its ongoing support for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), the U.S.-led coalition combating remnants of the Daesh terror group. The integration of Spike NLOS missiles is expected to significantly enhance the U.S. military’s ability to target enemy positions from extended distances while minimizing exposure to anti-aircraft threats.

The Spike NLOS: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare

Developed by Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael and adapted for U.S. use by Lockheed Martin, the Spike NLOS missile has been a staple of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) since the 1980s. Over the years, it has undergone numerous upgrades to improve its accuracy, range, and targeting flexibility.

Unlike the Hellfire missile, which relies on laser guidance, the Spike NLOS features a “man-in-the-loop” (MITL) targeting system. This allows operators to manually control the missile throughout its flight using an infrared camera, enabling mid-flight adjustments, precision strikes on moving targets, and the ability to switch targets if battlefield conditions change.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Hopson, the pilot-in-command during initial test flights, explained the complexities of integrating the Spike NLOS into the Apache’s arsenal. “With the Hellfire missiles, you can fire and guide them with a laser. The Spike missiles, however, require a three-step process: alignment with the laser system, navigation system, and inertial system,” he told DVIDS.

Warrant Officer Colton Francis, the co-pilot, highlighted the missile’s adaptability. “It’s a fire, observe, acquire, and attack system. If we spot another target of opportunity while the missile is in flight, we can adjust course and engage it instead,” he said.

Strategic Implications for the Region

The deployment of Spike NLOS-equipped Apaches in Iraq reflects the U.S. Army’s response to evolving battlefield threats and the need for enhanced aerial strike capabilities. The U.S. military has been actively working to extend the operational range of its attack helicopters in light of emerging air defense challenges, as evidenced by previous tests conducted at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and during exercises in Germany.

The recent arrival of these helicopters in Erbil, a major hub for U.S. military operations in Iraq, underscores a broader strategy to bolster airpower in a region facing persistent security challenges. The U.S. Air Force facilitated the deployment by transporting Apache helicopters from the 101st Airborne Division via C-17A Globemaster III cargo planes last month.

Analysts suggest that the integration of Spike NLOS into U.S. Army operations aligns with efforts to counter asymmetric threats from non-state actors and insurgent groups, which often employ hit-and-run tactics or take refuge in fortified positions. The missile’s ability to engage targets beyond visual range while keeping the launch platform concealed enhances both survivability and operational effectiveness.

A Transformative Shift in Attack Aviation

The operational deployment of Spike NLOS-equipped Apaches represents a broader shift in the evolution of attack aviation. The U.S. Marine Corps is reportedly exploring similar efforts to extend the lethal reach of its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, driven by lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where advanced air defense systems have posed significant challenges to conventional airpower.

Additionally, the integration of the Manned-Unmanned Teaming-Extended (MUMT-X) system on the deployed AH-64s further enhances battlefield awareness. This system enables Apache crews to receive real-time intelligence and sensor feeds from uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, allowing for more precise and informed strike operations.

The deployment of Spike NLOS-equipped Apaches in Iraq marks a crucial step in enhancing long-range precision strike operations for the U.S. Army. With the ability to engage targets at unprecedented distances and adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions, these helicopters are poised to become a formidable force in modern aerial warfare.

As military operations continue in Iraq and the wider Middle East, the U.S. Army’s decision to field the Spike NLOS missile on Apaches reflects a broader strategic vision—one that prioritizes adaptability, technological superiority, and increased lethality in an ever-changing battlefield environment.