Direct proof of use
The Spike NLOS/Tamuz missile appeared in the 2003 Iraq War through British service under the Exactor designation. Think Defence describes Exactor as a British urgent operational requirement for Iraq in 2007, adopted for the counter-indirect-fire role after the United Kingdom leased or purchased Israeli systems and missiles from Israel Defense Forces stocks.
The system was in service with 1 Royal Horse Artillery in Basra by August 2007. Reporting summarized by The New Arab says Britain used Israeli Tamuz missiles in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the Iraq-specific context tied to mortar and explosive-charge threats against British patrols in the Basra area.
Sources: Think Defence Spike NLOS Exactor, New Arab Haaretz Tamuz Report
Timeline
In April 2007, British authorities moved to acquire Spike NLOS-equipped M113 launch vehicles as an urgent response to mortar teams threatening British troops in Iraq. War Is Boring describes the initial package as twelve purchased M113 launch vehicles and two leased from Israeli stocks, followed by training before operational deployment.
By August 2007, Exactor had joined 1 Royal Horse Artillery in Basra. War Is Boring reports that the launchers later passed to 7 Royal Horse Artillery when 1 RHA left Iraq, and that the system moved from Iraq to Helmand Province as British combat operations in Iraq wound down in 2009.
Sources: War Is Boring Exactor Iraq Afghanistan, Think Defence Spike NLOS Exactor
Operational role
In Iraq, Exactor was used as a long-range, electro-optical precision-fire system rather than as a conventional infantry anti-tank missile. Sources describe a counter-mortar and counter-IED-team mission in the Basra area, where British forces needed a rapid precision response in a populated operating environment.
The sourced record places the weapon on the United States and coalition side of the 2003 Iraq War through British Royal Artillery use. The public sources identify Basra and the 2007-2009 British deployment period, but they do not provide a complete strike-by-strike log or a verified total number of missiles fired in Iraq.
Sources: War Is Boring Exactor Iraq Afghanistan, New Arab Haaretz Tamuz Report, Think Defence Spike NLOS Exactor
