Successful SPIKE LR firings from Diehl Defence’s UGV Ziesel

Diehl Defence, in collaboration with RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and EuroSpike GmbH, carried out initial live-fire trials of the SPIKE LR guided missile from its Ziesel unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This marks a significant step in validating the platform’s structural integrity and operational performance under firing conditions

The milestone establishes Ziesel as the first UGV platform to successfully launch a modern guided missile, achieved just three months after its SPIKE launcher configuration was unveiled at Enforce Tac 2025.

The trials were conducted over five days, during which 17 SPIKE LR missiles were successfully fired. The platform demonstrated consistent stability and resilience, withstanding the stresses associated with repeated live firing.

SPIKE LR is a precision-guided anti-armour missile equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors, enabling high accuracy and effectiveness against armoured targets in all weather conditions.

The Ziesel platform used for the trials is an upgraded variant with enhancements in both hardware and software. Previously evaluated in multiple roles, including logistics support and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), it has now been demonstrated for the first time as an effector carrier. The system is further integrated with the PLATON autonomy kit, enabling fully autonomous operations.

The Ziesel UGV is currently undergoing evaluation by several armed forces, including Germany and Ukraine. Following the successful trials, the participating companies have indicated plans to accelerate further development and conduct demonstrations for prospective users to showcase the system’s operational potential.