Korean Choppers to Be Armed with Israeli Missiles

More Israeli-made Spike missiles with the maximum range of 25 km will be installed in maritime helicopters ready for deployment next year.

Several Spike missiles are already installed on vehicles defending the northwesternmost islands.

But the new lot will be mounted on Wildcat maritime choppers to be purchased over the next two years, an official with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Friday. "We've recently struck a deal with the Israeli manufacturer of the missile." 

The Spike missile is allegedly capable of hitting a window-size target 25 km away guided by infrared. 

An officer said the missile can hit the North's coastal artillery as well as its high-speed boats or hovercraft if they launch surprise landings on South Korean territory.

A total of eight Wildcat helicopters will be procured, each of which can carry four Spike missiles. The missiles cost about W300 million (US$1=W1,056) each, approximately 100 times the price of a shell for the K-9 self-propelled howitzer. [via]