{ "archive_path": "archive/1791929070.371101", "base_url": "www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter", "basename": "bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter", "bookmarked_date": "2026-10-13 22:04", "canonical": { "archive_org_path": "https://web.archive.org/web/www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter", "dom_path": "output.html", "favicon_path": "favicon.ico", "git_path": "git/", "google_favicon_path": "https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=www.twz.com", "headers_path": "headers.json", "htmltotext_path": "htmltotext.txt", "index_path": "index.html", "media_path": "media/", "mercury_path": "mercury/content.html", "pdf_path": "output.pdf", "readability_path": "readability/content.html", "screenshot_path": "screenshot.png", "singlefile_path": "singlefile.html", "warc_path": "warc/", "wget_path": "www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter.html" }, "domain": "www.twz.com", "extension": "", "hash": "1ZJ5H72GJPNJ3WM3G399", "history": { "archive_org": [], "dom": [], "favicon": [ { "cmd": [ "curl", "--silent", "--location", "--compressed", "--max-time", "120", "--output", "favicon.ico", "--user-agent", "Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/118.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 ArchiveBox/0.7.4 (+https://github.com/ArchiveBox/ArchiveBox/) curl/curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=www.twz.com" ], "cmd_version": "curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:30.058110+00:00", "index_texts": null, "output": "favicon.ico", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:29.415106+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ], "git": [], "headers": [ { "cmd": [ "curl", "--silent", "--location", "--compressed", "--head", "--max-time", "120", "--user-agent", "Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/118.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 ArchiveBox/0.7.4 (+https://github.com/ArchiveBox/ArchiveBox/) curl/curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" ], "cmd_version": "curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:30.424461+00:00", "index_texts": null, "output": "headers.json", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:30.066498+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ], "htmltotext": [], "media": [], "mercury": [ { "cmd": [ "/app/node_modules/@postlight/parser/cli.js", "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" ], "cmd_version": "1.0.0", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:56.531887+00:00", "index_texts": null, "output": "mercury", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:52.875549+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ], "pdf": [], "readability": [ { "cmd": [ "/app/node_modules/readability-extractor/readability-extractor", "/tmp/tmp9qjaojoy", "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" ], "cmd_version": "0.0.11", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:52.863147+00:00", "index_texts": [ "Rafael USA and Leonardo DRS have presented a capability that would allow fighting vehicles equipped with legacy Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile launchers to fire Rafael\u2019s Spike LR2 anti-armor missiles. The effort builds on a demonstration dating back to 2021, with the companies now presenting a more mature adapter solution designed to integrate the Israeli-made missile into existing platforms.\n\n\n\nRoman Palaria, Rafael\u2019s vice president for marketing and business development in its land and naval division, discussed the system in an interview with TWZ at the Association of the U.S. Army\u2019s (AUSA) main annual convention. He explained that the earlier demonstration, part of Project Convergence 2021, used a version of the adapter that had not yet reached its final configuration. Leonardo DRS, Rafael\u2019s U.S. partner, subsequently developed the mechanical and electrical components needed to connect the Spike LR2 to the TOW launcher and the vehicle\u2019s existing systems.\n\n\n\nThe Rafael/Leonardo adaptor that allows TOW missile launchers to fire Rafael\u2019s Spike LR2 anti-armor missiles. Howard Altman \n\n\n\nThe approach is intended to avoid replacing the launcher or radically overhauling the vehicle\u2019s gunner station. Instead, the adapter provides the mechanical interface for loading the Spike LR2 missile and the electrical connections needed to communicate with the vehicle. Additional electronic components are installed within the vehicle to support the missile\u2019s functions.\n\n\n\nThe adaptor configured for TOW (left) and Spike LR2 (right) missiles. Leonardo DRS \n\n\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re doing minimum changes to the vehicle,\u201d Palaria said, describing the goal of making the integration as seamless as possible for the operator.\n\n\n\nThe Bradley infantry fighting vehicle is a prominent potential application, although the companies say the capability could extend to other platforms that use TOW launchers. The Army has operated TOW-equipped vehicles for decades, creating a substantial installed base of launch systems that could potentially benefit from the approach. As for the Bradley, the Army effort to replace its TOW missiles has been a long one, but is yet to produce any real results.\n\n\n\nA U.S. Army M2A4 Bradley. The TOW launcher can be clearly seen on the side of the turret. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Steinborn \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpike LR2 was successfully test-fired from M2A4 Bradley equipped with Multi-Purpose Missile Launcher (MPML), developed by Rafael and DRS. Adapters allow the system to remain compatible with existing TML/UTML launchers. Spike LR2 has also been proposed for the CCMS-H and XM30. pic.twitter.com/KB9EYwi6BI\u2014 Ronkainen (@ronkainen7k15) October 13, 2026\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a missile is fired, its launch tube remains in the launcher and can be removed to accommodate another missile.\n\n\n\nThe central attraction of the system is the ability to combine existing launcher infrastructure with the Spike LR2\u2019s unique engagement capabilities.\n\n\n\nDuring Project Convergence 2021, two Spike missiles were fired from a TOW launcher, and both reportedly hit their intended targets. The adapter now being presented reflects subsequent development work by Leonardo DRS, including refinement of the mechanical interface and vehicle electrical integration.\n\n\n\nAn M2A3 Bradley uses its twin-tube, turret-mounted launcher to fire a BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandi Frizzell \n\n\n\nThe system is designed to preserve the vehicle\u2019s existing TOW capability while adding the option to use Spike LR2. That would give commanders another missile option without necessarily requiring wholesale replacement of installed launcher equipment. The extent to which individual vehicles could use both missile types would depend on the completed integration and applicable qualification requirements.\n\n\n\nAnother view of the Rafael/Leonardo Spike LR2 adaptor. Howard Altman Howard Altman\n\n\n\nThe Spike LR2 offers capabilities that differ substantially from those of the legacy TOW missile. Palaria cited a maximum range of approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) and highlighted the missile\u2019s day/night imaging seeker, which provides video to the operator during flight. The longest-range TOW missile versions max out at around 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles).\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRAFAEL's Spike LR2 Missile\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\nIn contrast, Spike LR2\u2019s imaging capability supports engagement of targets beyond the operator\u2019s direct line of sight, as well as observation of the target area during the missile\u2019s approach. Depending on the engagement, the operator can acquire a target through the missile\u2019s seeker, adjust the engagement, or select a different target while the missile is in flight.\n\n\n\nThese features contrast with the traditional TOW\u2019s semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) guidance, in which the gunner tracks the target through the launcher\u2019s observation system and guides the missile throughout its flight. Spike LR2\u2019s onboard imaging provides a different set of options for engagements in which direct observation is limited or target conditions change after launch. This can also include striking targets behind cover. \n\n\n\nPalaria also described the LR2\u2019s two warhead options. The first of these is a tandem-charge anti-tank warhead, which Rafael claims is able to penetrate any modern main battle tank. It consists of a precursor warhead and the main warhead, which are designed to penetrate the reactive armor, and the main armor, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRafael's SPIKE LR2 HEAT IMPACT\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\nThe second option is a multi-purpose configuration. It has a programmable fuze, which allows the missile to be employed against different target types. Depending on the selected mode, the warhead can be configured for direct-impact or timed-detonation effects, for example, detonating above the ground for anti-personnel missions, or penetrating a building, in which case the first charge will make a hole in a wall, and then the second charge will go inside and explode after a short delay.\n\n\n\nThe adapter offers a potential route to adding new missile capabilities to existing Army vehicles while limiting changes to their launcher hardware and crew interface.\n\n\n\nOperator training would obviously be necessary. Although the gunner would continue using the vehicle\u2019s existing console and displays, Palaria acknowledged that Spike LR2 introduces additional functions, controls, and engagement procedures.\n\n\n\nSlovenian soldiers engage targets with a Spike LR anti-tank missile during a live-fire exercise. U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Davide Dalla Massara/Released \n\n\n\nFor the Army, the proposition is straightforward: retain a familiar launcher architecture while potentially adding a missile with greater reach, onboard imaging, and more flexible engagement options that exceed line-of-sight tracking. The adapter\u2019s significance lies in making that combination possible without starting from a clean sheet.\n\n\n\nWhether that capability becomes a fielded upgrade will depend on the Army\u2019s requirements, testing, integration decisions, and procurement plans. But the widespread uptake of the Spike series of missiles around the globe, combined with the very large existing TOW missile operator base, means the adapter solution could well be of interest to customers outside the U.S. Army, too.\n\n\n\nContact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com" ], "output": "readability", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:50.495805+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ], "screenshot": [], "singlefile": [], "title": [ { "cmd": [ "curl", "--silent", "--location", "--compressed", "--max-time", "120", "--user-agent", "Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/118.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 ArchiveBox/0.7.4 (+https://github.com/ArchiveBox/ArchiveBox/) curl/curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" ], "cmd_version": "curl 8.14.1 (x86_64-pc-linux-gnu)", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:50.488954+00:00", "index_texts": null, "output": "Bradley\u2019s Old TOW Launchers Get New Teeth With Spike Missile Adapter", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:50.445745+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ], "wget": [ { "cmd": [ "wget", "--no-verbose", "--adjust-extension", "--convert-links", "--force-directories", "--span-hosts", "--no-parent", "-e", "robots=off", "--reject=js,mjs,woff,woff2,ttf,otf,eot,mp4,m4v,mov,webm,ogv,mkv,avi,flv", "--timeout=120", "--restrict-file-names=windows", "--page-requisites", "--user-agent=Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/118.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 ArchiveBox/0.7.4 (+https://github.com/ArchiveBox/ArchiveBox/) wget/GNU Wget 1.21.3", "--compression=auto", "--timestamping", "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" ], "cmd_version": "GNU Wget 1.21.3", "end_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:50.436704+00:00", "index_texts": null, "output": "www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter.html", "pwd": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "schema": "ArchiveResult", "start_ts": "2026-10-14T01:27:30.433525+00:00", "status": "succeeded" } ] }, "icons": null, "is_archived": true, "is_static": false, "latest": { "archive_org": null, "dom": null, "favicon": "favicon.ico", "git": null, "media": null, "pdf": null, "screenshot": null, "singlefile": null, "title": "Bradley\u2019s Old TOW Launchers Get New Teeth With Spike Missile Adapter", "warc": null, "wget": "www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter.html" }, "link_dir": "/data/archive/1791929070.371101", "newest_archive_date": "2026-10-14T01:27:52.875549+00:00", "num_failures": 0, "num_outputs": 6, "oldest_archive_date": "2026-10-14T01:27:29.415106+00:00", "path": "/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter", "schema": "Link", "scheme": "https", "snapshot_id": "99f24138-cd9c-49e9-bb91-a9a10ecd46ed", "sources": [ "/data/sources/1791929070-import.txt" ], "tags": ",escalation,war-wiki,pool", "tags_str": "escalation,war-wiki,pool", "timestamp": "1791929070.371101", "title": "Bradley\u2019s Old TOW Launchers Get New Teeth With Spike Missile Adapter", "updated": "2026-10-14T01:27:29.414499+00:00", "updated_date": "2026-10-14 01:27", "url": "https://www.twz.com/land/bradleys-old-tow-launchers-get-new-teeth-with-spike-missile-adapter" }