Furthering local guided weapons capabilities, Varley Rafael Australia Pty Ltd (VRA) has commenced local production of the SPIKE Guided Missile Integration Kits (SIKs) – the launcher and missile control elements of the SPIKE Guided Missile that will be integrated into the LAND400-2 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles. The SIKs’ strictly controlled production assembly activities were undertaken outside of RAFAEL’s Israel facilities for the first time, utilising VRA’s highly skilled engineering personnel and demonstrating RAFAEL’s commitment to technology transfer.
While COVID restrictions stopped VRA’s personnel from travelling to Israel for training, extensive Technology Transfer activities were undertaken utilising live video connectivity and 3D instructional software with RAFAEL’s subject matter experts supporting VRA undergoing highly structured training and Quality Assurance, First Article Inspection and Low Rate Initial Production activities leading to full approval by RAFAEL.
“Being an Australian Joint Venture between the Varley Group and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, provides VRA with direct access and licences to highly advanced Guided Missile and their extensive associated systems’ Transfer of Technology. All personnel at VRA are Australian citizens including highly skilled engineers and QA personnel that transited from the Automotive Industry into our Defence activities” noted VRA’s CEO Jacob Blitman. “This is a small but critical step demonstrating real sovereign capability within the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) space fully aligned with Government’s GWEO Enterprise approach. VRA is grateful for the SIC-P funding provided by Government that supported upskilling and acquisition of specialised tools and equipment for this project that can now be used for future in-country production”.
VRA is engaged with Australian Companies and Government’s GWEO Enterprise approach to progress the opportunity to manufacture and sustain in Australia the SPIKE LR2 5th Generation Guided Weapon establishing a true sovereign capability in the short term and delivering sovereign battlefield advantage to the ADF.
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