ÜBERLINGEN, Germany — May 14, 2026 : Diehl Defence, in cooperation with RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and EuroSpike GmbH, has successfully completed a series of live-firing trials involving the SPIKE LR guided missile launched from the Ziesel unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), marking the first successful integration of a modern guided missile system on the Ziesel platform.
The trials were conducted over a five-day period and involved the successful launch of 17 SPIKE LR guided missiles. According to the participating companies, the primary objective of the testing campaign was to evaluate the structural load-bearing capability and operational resilience of the Ziesel platform under repeated live-fire conditions.
During the tests, the UGV reportedly maintained stable operational performance and successfully withstood the stresses generated during missile launches. The milestone was achieved only three months after Diehl Defence first presented the Ziesel UGV equipped with a SPIKE launcher configuration during the Enforce Tac 2025 exhibition in Nürnberg.
Platform Configuration and Technical Characteristics
The Ziesel UGV used during the trials was an upgraded configuration featuring revised hardware and software improvements compared to earlier variants. The vehicle is based on the tracked platform developed by Mattro and measures approximately 1.6 metres in length and 1.3 metres in width. It has an empty weight of 380 kilograms and can carry payloads exceeding 500 kilograms.
The platform is powered by exchangeable 11 kWh lithium-ion battery packs and can reach speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour. Its fully electric propulsion system significantly reduces acoustic and thermal signatures, lowering detectability during battlefield operations.
According to Diehl Defence, the compact tracked design and high manoeuvrability enable the Ziesel to accompany infantry formations through dense wooded terrain and difficult operating environments without restricting troop movement.
Prior to its current role as an armed effector carrier, the Ziesel platform had already undergone operational testing in logistical support and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) configurations.
Autonomous Capability and Sensor Integration
The UGV is integrated with Diehl Defence’s PLATON autonomy kit, which provides autonomous navigation and follow-me functionality. The system enables operation without dependence on highly detectable active sensors such as LiDAR or GPS, reducing vulnerability to electronic warfare interference, jamming, and battlefield detection.
The autonomy package also allows the vehicle to navigate obstacles independently while maintaining low observability during operations.
SPIKE LR Missile System
The SPIKE LR guided missile integrated on the Ziesel platform is designed primarily for anti-armour operations and has an operational range of up to 5.5 kilometres.
The missile employs fifth-generation dual-mode seeker technology that combines an uncooled infrared imaging sensor with a high-resolution daylight camera. Connected through a fibre-optic data link, the system supports both fire-and-forget and fire-observe-update engagement modes.
The missile also incorporates all-weather-capable optronic targeting systems and a tandem high-explosive anti-tank warhead intended to maximise penetration capability against protected targets while maintaining high engagement precision.
Growing Interest in Armed UGV Systems
EuroSpike GmbH, the European joint venture responsible for the SPIKE missile programme, includes Diehl Defence, Rheinmetall Electronics, and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems as partner companies.
The companies stated that unmanned ground-based systems are receiving increasing military attention due to growing demand for versatile payload platforms capable of extending stand-off distances and reducing direct exposure of soldiers in hazardous combat environments.
According to Diehl Defence, the Ziesel UGV is currently undergoing evaluation by several armed forces, including those of Germany and Ukraine.
Future Development Plans
Following completion of the firing campaign, the participating companies announced plans to continue development of the integration concept and advance toward additional testing milestones.
A formal demonstration involving military representatives from multiple armed forces is also scheduled to showcase the operational capabilities and technical potential of the Diehl Defence Ziesel UGV integrated with the SPIKE LR missile system.
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