Poland eyes Spike NLOS stand-off weapon for Apache

On 28 August, Rafael announced a live-fire test campaign of the Spike NLOS missile aboard the AH-64E Apache Guardian in Poland. (Rafael)

Poland is considering fielding the Rafael Spike Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) stand-off missile from its soon-to-be-delivered fleet of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters.

The Israeli manufacturer announced on 28 August that live-fire trials of the helicopter and missile combination had been successfully concluded at the Central Air Force Training Range in Ustka, Poland, by the US Army and the Polish Air Force, with its support.

“The campaign was organised under the direction of [the] US Army, which deployed AH-64E Apaches from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Ansbach, Germany, to Poland for training and evaluation. The exercise was hosted by the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) with participation from the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces and the Inspectorate of the Polish Air Force,” Rafael said, adding that observers from over 10 allied countries had attended the event, alongside senior commanders from multiple NATO air forces.

According to the announcement, the campaign saw two Spike NLOS missiles launched from US Army AH-64Es at maritime targets, achieving direct hits at ranges of 26 km.

“Senior US and Polish military officials emphasised that integrating Spike NLOS onto the Apache platform enhances rotary-wing aviation with extended stand-off engagement and precision strike capabilities. They further noted the potential of the system as part of Poland's future AH-64E fleet,” Rafael said.

Poland is acquiring 96 AH-64E helicopters under its Kruk (Raven) requirement. With personnel now training on leased US Army AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters, AH-64E deliveries to the country will commence in 2028 and run through to 2032.

For more information on Poland AH-64E plans, please see