ATHENS — March 7, 2026 : The Hellenic Navy has introduced Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ SPIKE Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missile capability on its Machitis-class patrol vessels, marking a significant upgrade to the fleet’s precision strike and coastal combat capabilities. The systems were publicly observed for the first time during a recent naval exercise, where two vessels—Machitis (P-266) and Nikiforos (P-267)—were seen operating with newly installed missile launchers mounted on their aft sections.
The integration follows a procurement plan approved in 2023 by Greece’s Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), which authorized the acquisition of SPIKE missile systems from Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Initial reporting in early 2023 indicated that the modernization effort would equip multiple Greek naval vessels with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS launcher system, significantly expanding their operational engagement range and precision strike capability.
Machitis-Class Patrol Vessel Modernization
Under the current upgrade program, all four Machitis-class patrol vessels are scheduled to receive the Typhoon MLS-NLOS launcher. Each launcher carries eight SPIKE NLOS missiles arranged in an eight-tube configuration. The installation required structural changes to the stern area of the ships, including the removal of the aft 40mm/L70 Breda-Bofors naval gun that had previously been mounted on a Type 520R naval mount.
The addition of the missile system provides these patrol vessels with the ability to conduct both sea-to-shore fire support operations and sea-to-sea engagements from extended stand-off distances. The SPIKE NLOS missiles significantly expand the vessels’ engagement envelope compared with their previous gun-based configuration.
The Machitis-class patrol boats represent an improved variant of the HSY-56 design, itself derived from the Danish Osprey-55 patrol vessel concept. The four vessels were constructed by Hellenic Shipyards and delivered to the Hellenic Navy between 2003 and 2005. Each ship has a full-load displacement of approximately 575 tons and is considered among the most modern patrol platforms currently in Greek service.
Despite the removal of the aft 40mm gun, the vessels retain a substantial array of defensive and offensive systems. Their baseline armament includes a 76mm main naval gun, a forward-mounted 40mm gun, two 20mm cannons, and several machine guns. Additional defensive capabilities include Stinger man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), decoy launchers, and the ability to lay naval mines, providing flexibility in coastal defense and maritime security missions.
SPIKE NLOS Missile Capabilities
The SPIKE NLOS missile represents the long-range variant within Rafael’s SPIKE family of guided weapons. Classified as a sixth-generation electro-optical/infrared guided missile, the system is designed to engage targets beyond the operator’s direct line of sight at ranges of up to approximately 32 kilometers.
The missile employs a passive dual-mode electro-optical seeker that integrates an imaging infrared (IIR) sensor with a CCD daylight camera. Combined with advanced onboard image-processing algorithms, the guidance system allows operators to track and engage targets during both daytime and nighttime conditions.
A key feature of the system is its real-time data link, which transmits video and telemetry information from the missile back to the operator during flight. This capability allows crews to observe the target area, perform mid-course corrections, change targets if necessary, or abort the mission entirely before impact. The system can also provide battle damage assessment immediately after the strike.
Operationally, the launcher supports salvo firing and rapid target acquisition, allowing multiple missiles to be launched in quick succession. The architecture also supports system hand-over and coordinated engagement, enabling faster sensor-to-shooter cycles and providing defensive capability against multiple fast-moving threats, including swarm attacks from small boats.
The SPIKE NLOS missile can be equipped with several warhead types depending on the mission profile. These include a High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead designed for armored targets, a Penetration Blast Fragmentation (PBF) warhead with controlled detonation for complex structures or fortifications, and standard fragmentation warheads for general-purpose targets.
Integration with Typhoon Weapon Stations
On naval platforms, the missile system is integrated with the Typhoon remote weapon station family. These stabilized mounts incorporate electro-optical targeting sensors that assist in identifying and tracking targets while compensating for vessel movement at sea.
The combination of remote weapon station technology and the missile’s electro-optical guidance enables precise targeting in complex maritime environments, particularly in littoral and coastal operating areas where patrol vessels frequently conduct missions.
Expansion to Special Operations Craft
The SPIKE missile integration program extends beyond the Machitis-class patrol vessels. The Hellenic Navy is also preparing to equip four Mk V Special Operations Craft (SOC) with SPIKE Extended Range (ER) 2 missiles.
Structural modifications are currently underway on the Mk V boats to adapt the main cabin and rear deck sections for missile installation. Once the modifications are completed, each craft will receive a Typhoon MLS-ER launcher mounted on the stern deck.
Each MLS-ER mount will carry four SPIKE ER2 missiles, providing the special operations vessels with a precision strike capability that significantly extends their engagement range. This enhancement is expected to improve the operational flexibility of naval special operations units during maritime interdiction, coastal surveillance, and strike missions.
Fleet-Wide Impact
In total, the SPIKE missile integration program will affect eight vessels across two different classes within the Hellenic Navy. The Machitis-class patrol boats will operate the long-range SPIKE NLOS variant, while the Mk V special operations craft will field the shorter-range SPIKE ER2 system.
The recent naval exercise involving Machitis and Nikiforos provided the first visual confirmation that the Typhoon MLS-NLOS launchers have begun entering operational service on Greek patrol vessels. Installation work across the remaining ships in the program is continuing as part of the broader modernization effort.
By incorporating long-range electro-optical guided missiles into its patrol and special operations fleet, the Hellenic Navy is expanding its stand-off engagement capability in coastal and island environments while maintaining the flexibility required for a wide range of maritime security operations.
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