Varley Rafael Australia (VRA), a joint venture between the Varley Group and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, have been contracted by the Commonwealth to deliver 'a quantity' of Spike LR2 missile to enable integration and acceptance testing for the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles and the preferred Land 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
VRA's contract includes the provision of Spike LR2 Mechanical and Outdoor Training rounds and delivery of user training. VRA is also in contract with the Commonwealth to support the Technical Certification of the Spike LR2 missile, to enable its introduction into service with the ADF.
“This is a major milestone on our proposed roadmap to establish SPIKE missile manufacturing capability right here in Australia," Ben Walter, the CEO of VRA, said. "Our proposal to Defence includes manufacturing of inert components and integration, rocket propulsion and warhead systems, hot integration and associated storage requirements.
"It aims to facilitate the production and support capabilities of our industry partners and local supply chain, and will result in the creation of new high-technology jobs and the upskilling of Australian personnel. In this current political environment, a local manufacturing capability would deliver the category-superior, 5th generation Spike LR2 missile into service faster than extant acquisition approaches."