Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has conducted a live firing test with a naval variant of its Spike missile, launched from the Protector unmanned surface vessel (USV). This was the first-ever missile firing from an operational, remote-controlled USV. The missiles were launched by Rafael’s Mini Typhoon stabilized weapon station moounted on the rear of the USV. The recent test brings to an end the operational integration process of Protector's entire suite of mission components.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)