Two Hellenic Navy Machitis-class patrol vessels were spotted for the first time with Rafael SPIKE NLOS launchers fitted aft.
During a recent exercise conducted by the Hellenic Navy, two patrol vessels, Machitis (P-266) and Nikiforos (P-267) were observed equipped with Rafael SPIKE NLOS launchers at their aft sections. Naval News had previously reported on this development in its 2023 article titled “Greek Naval Vessels to be Fitted with SPIKE Missiles”. According to that report, the four Machitis-class patrol vessels will be fitted with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS system, capable of carrying eight SPIKE Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missiles per vessel. The 6th-generation, electro-optical/infrared multipurpose missile system will enable both sea-to-shore fire support and sea-to-sea targeting.
In addition, the Hellenic Navy will install the Typhoon MLS-ER system on the stern decks of its four Mk V Special Operations Craft (SOC), following modifications to the main cabin and rear deck area. Each craft will be equipped with four SPIKE Extended Range (ER) 2 missiles on a Typhoon MLS-ER system, significantly enhancing their precision-strike capability. The work is in progress.
Overall, the acquisition of SPIKE fire-and-forget missiles will equip eight naval vessels of two different types within the Hellenic Navy. The integration of these Rafael systems is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of both the Machitis-class patrol vessels and the Mk V SOC.
The Machitis-class boats represent an improved version of the earlier HSY-56 design, itself based on the Danish Osprey-55. Built by Hellenic Shipyards, the vessels were delivered to the Hellenic Navy between 2003 and 2005. With a full-load displacement of 575 tons, they remain among the most modern patrol vessels in Greek service and are considered highly capable within their class, particularly due to their advanced electronic systems and weaponry (76mm gun, 40mm gun, 2 x 20mm guns, two machine guns, Stinger MANPADS, mines, decoy launchers). As part of the upgrade, the patrol vessels will receive the Typhoon MLS-NLOS launcher, replacing the aft 40mm/L70 Breda-Bofors gun that was fitted on a Type 520R naval mount.
The SPIKE NLOS missile, part of Rafael’s multi-generation SPIKE missile family, enables day-and night-time engagement of non-line-of-sight targets at ranges of up to 32km with high accuracy. SPIKE NLOS delivers critical real-time tactical intelligence and damage assessments, allowing it to adjust targets and abort missions mid-flight, and operate in both offensive and defense scenarios. The system includes several ground-breaking capabilities – salvo controls, system hand-over, target acquisition, and extended ranges – enabling rapid closure of sensor-to-shooter loops and neutralization of swarm attacks from significant stand-off ranges.
The system supports multiple warhead types, including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), Penetration Blast Fragmentation (PBF) with controlled detonation, and fragmentation warheads. Guidance is provided by a passive dual-mode electro-optical seeker combining an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) sensor, a CCD camera, and advanced image-processing tracking capabilities, enabling effective operation in both day and night conditions.
