Spike NLOS Missiles Tested in Hellenic Navy SINKEX Exercise
Precision strike munitions demonstrate combat capabilities against a decommissioned frigate in the Cretan Sea.
1SINKEX Exercise Overview
The Hellenic Navy conducted a SINKEX exercise on October 21, 2026, in the northern Cretan Sea. This operation involved sinking the decommissioned Elli-class frigate Bouboulina, commissioned in 1983. The exercise served as a live-fire testing ground for advanced missile systems, demonstrating their operational efficacy against a substantial naval target in real-world maritime conditions.
2Spike Missile Deployment
Lockheed Martin's Spike NLOS and Spike ER missiles were deployed from a Machitis-class patrol vessel and a Mk. V Special Operations Craft. These platforms demonstrated the versatility of the Spike family when launched from smaller naval assets. The missiles inflicted significant structural damage on the target frigate before the final torpedo strike occurred.
3Coordinated Strike Mechanics
The destruction of the target vessel was achieved through a multi-layered approach. While the Spike missiles caused extensive damage, a Hellenic Navy Papanikolis-class submarine delivered the final blow using an AEG SUT 264 torpedo. This coordinated effort highlighted the integration between surface-to-surface missile systems and traditional underwater torpedo capabilities during naval combat.
4Advanced Targeting Capabilities
Spike missiles utilize electro-optical and infrared-seeking sensors to maintain precision during flight. These systems provide real-time video feeds, allowing operators to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions while the missile is in transit. This capability enables the weapon to function as an ISR asset, significantly enhancing situational awareness for modern combat units.
5Sixth Generation Upgrades
The current iteration represents the sixth generation of the Spike family, featuring substantial improvements over previous models. These upgrades facilitate both sea-to-shore fire support and direct sea-to-sea engagements. The versatility of these munitions allows them to operate effectively across diverse environments, including ground, aviation, and maritime domains, ensuring high operational flexibility for users.
6Multi-Platform Integration
Beyond naval applications, the U.S. Army began integrating Spike NLOS systems onto AH-64 Apache attack helicopters in 2020. This cross-platform compatibility allows the missile to be fired from various assets to strike targets beyond the line-of-sight. Such flexibility is a core design feature that appeals to the U.S. military and six international partners.
7Strategic Allied Cooperation
Greece has currently equipped eight of its vessels with these advanced missile systems. The October exercise involved close collaboration between Greek and Israeli naval forces, highlighting the importance of joint training exercises. This partnership underscores the growing reliance on shared technology and standardized weapon systems among allied nations in the Mediterranean theater.
8Future Operational Implications
The successful demonstration of the Spike NLOS during the SINKEX exercise reinforces its reliability for modern naval warfare. As more international allies observe these combat-proven results, adoption rates for Lockheed Martin's latest missile systems are expected to rise. This trend suggests a shift toward more versatile, precision-guided munitions in future maritime defense strategies.
Original article: SlashGear — Spike NLOS Missiles Tested in Hellenic Navy SINKEX Exercise