Javelin (missile)

Javelin (missile). The FGM-148 Javelin is an American-made, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system designed for infantry use. Developed as a joint venture between Texas Instruments and Martin Marietta (now part of Lockheed Martin), it entered service with the United States Army in 1996. The system is renowned for its top-attack profile, advanced infrared homing seeker, and ability to defeat modern main battle tanks.

Development and design

The Javelin was developed to replace the M47 Dragon anti-tank system under the Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M) program initiated by the United States Department of Defense. A key design feature is its fire-and-forget capability, enabled by a sophisticated imaging infrared (IIR) seeker that allows the gunner to take cover immediately after launch. The missile employs a two-stage flight profile: it first climbs sharply after launch in a "soft launch" from the Command Launch Unit (CLU) before its main motor ignites and it arcs down onto the target in a top-attack mode, striking the typically thinner armor on a vehicle's roof. The CLU also serves as a powerful standalone surveillance and target acquisition tool, incorporating thermal imaging capabilities. The program was managed by the United States Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal.

Operational history

The Javelin first saw combat use during the 2003 invasion of Iraq with United States Marine Corps and United States Army units, proving effective against various Iraqi Army armored vehicles and fortified positions. It has been extensively deployed in the War in Afghanistan for both anti-armor and counter-defilade fire support roles. The system gained significant international attention following its widespread and highly effective deployment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War, particularly following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have used Javelins, supplied by the United States and allied nations, to destroy large numbers of Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other vehicles, impacting the tactics of the Russian Ground Forces.

Technical specifications

The complete Javelin system, including the Command Launch Unit and a sealed missile in its launch tube, weighs approximately 49.2 pounds (22.3 kg). The missile itself is 42 inches (1.1 m) long and 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter. It is propelled by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor, achieving a maximum effective range of up to 2,500 meters (approximately 1.5 miles) against tank-sized targets. The tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead is designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA). The CLU features multiple fields of view and generation-III thermal imaging technology, allowing for target detection day or night and in adverse weather conditions.

Variants and upgrades

The primary variants include the baseline Block 0 and the improved Block 1 missiles, which featured enhanced seeker performance. The FGM-148F is a major upgrade with a more sensitive seeker, improved lethality against explosive reactive armor, and a reduced-observable rocket motor. The latest variant is the FGM-148G, which incorporates a multi-purpose warhead effective against light armor, masonry, and personnel. The Command Launch Unit has also been upgraded through programs like the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) Javelin integration and the lightweight CLU (LWCLU), which reduces weight and improves image resolution. Development of a new Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (JAGM) variant is ongoing to replace older systems like the AGM-114 Hellfire.

Operators

The primary operator is the United States, with systems fielded by the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Special Operations Command. It has been widely exported to allied and partner nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Norway, and Jordan. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, numerous countries such as Lithuania, Estonia, and the Czech Republic have donated their Javelin stocks to Ukraine, while others like Poland have placed new orders. Other notable operators include Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Korea.

Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of the United States Category:Infantry weapons of the United States Category:Lockheed Martin