First European Spike NLOS Launch from Apache Strengthens NATO’s Eastern Flank

In a significant demonstration of allied capability on August 26, 2025, the United States Army, in close cooperation with the Polish Air Force Inspectorate, successfully conducted a joint live-fire campaign of the Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) missile system from a U.S. Army 12th Combat Aviation Brigade AH-64E v6 Apache Guardian helicopter. The event took place along the northern coast of Poland, marking a pivotal moment in NATO’s evolving long-range precision strike capabilities.

Key Highlights of the Campaign

• Historic Premiere in Europe: This was the first time the U.S. Army employed the Spike NLOS missile in the European theater, signaling a leap forward in regional defence integration.

• Live-Fire Performance: Two Spike NLOS missiles engaged and destroyed sea-based targets at effective ranges of up to 25 kilometers, showcasing exceptional precision and operational flexibility from a rotary-wing platform.

• Witnessed by Allies: High-ranking defense officials and military representatives from multiple nations observed the demonstration, underlining the event’s strategic importance for allied deterrence and interoperability.

Spike NLOS: Extending the Apache’s Reach

• Interim Precision Solution: Spike NLOS was selected in 2020 as the U.S. Army’s Interim Long-Range Precision Munition (I-LRPM), filling a crucial gap until next-generation precision strike systems arrive.

• Extended Engagement Envelope: With a maximum range of around 32 kilometers, far beyond the Apache’s legacy Hellfire missiles (~8–10 km) and even the JAGM, the system dramatically expands the helicopter’s striking power.

• Advanced Guidance & Survivability: The missile features a dual electro-optical/infrared seeker and man-in-the-loop control, allowing pilots to update targets or abort missions mid-flight. It communicates through a secure radio datalink and functions independently of GPS, making it resilient against electronic warfare and jamming.

• Proven Certification Path: From test firings at Yuma Proving Ground in 2023 to the system’s official airworthiness release in 2024, Spike NLOS has now been integrated across U.S. Army Apache units. Operational testing earlier in 2025 in Iraq confirmed its effectiveness under combat-like conditions.

Strategic Implications for NATO and Poland

• Bolstering the Eastern Flank: The campaign highlights the growing defense partnership between the United States and Poland, directly enhancing NATO’s deterrence posture along its eastern borders.

• Poland’s Apache Plans: Poland, which has ordered the AH-64E Apache fleet, is expected to integrate the Spike NLOS into its future helicopters. With possible future variants capable of reaching up to 50 km, the weapon is seen as a major force multiplier for the Polish Armed Forces.

The successful live-fire marks more than just a weapons trial — it signals a transformation in rotary-wing strike capabilities. By proving Spike NLOS from the Apache in Europe, the U.S. Army and Poland have taken a decisive step toward ensuring NATO’s forces are equipped with long-range, precise, and flexible strike options. As Poland prepares to field its Apache fleet armed with this system, NATO’s collective security along the eastern flank stands to become even stronger.