Javelin is an American man-portable anti-tank guided missile. It is a “fire and forget” system which utilises a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles and also has a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. The system has a soft launch arrangement which ejects the missile from the tube to a safe distance before igniting the main rocket motor. This reduces the firing signature and allows use from within buildings.
Javelin should not be confused with the British Javelin surface-to-air missile.
Service History
Javelin was used in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Technical Information
- Primary Function: Man-portable anti-tank guided missile.
- Contractor: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon.
- Power Plant: solid fuel rocket.
- Length:
- 108.1 cm (42.6 in) missile.
- 119.8 cm (47.2 in) launch tube.
- Diameter:
- 12.7 cm (5.0 in) missile.
- 14.2 cm (5.6 in) launch tube.
- Weight:
- 11.8 kg (21.6 lb) missile.
- 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) CLU.
- Warhead:
- 8.4 kg tandem shaped charge HEAT.
- Armour penetration >600 mm RHA.
- Range: <75 to >2500 m
- Guidance system: Imaging infra-red guidance, fire and forget.
- Command Launch Unit:
- Passive target acquisition/fire control with integrated day/thermal sight.
- Magnification 4x day and 4x or 9x thermal.
Cost & Procurement
In January 2003, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that it had decided to procure Javelin for the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System (LFATGWS) requirement. Javelin will replace the MILAN system.
New Shoulder-Launched Missile Enters Service Four Months Early
In a 2002 contract, Lithuania bought 360 Javelin missiles and 40 launcher units for $39 million. The contract also included training devices, logistics support, associated equipment and training. press release (http://www.missilesandfirecontrol.com/our_news/pressreleases/02pressrelease/072402_JAVELIN.htm)
This works out at about $100,000 per missile.
Javelin is used by these countries:
- Australia
- Canada (In the process of testing prior to deciding to purchace the system)
- Czech Republic
- Jordan
- Lithuania
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Republic of Ireland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
Related Topics
- Anti-tank guided missile
- List of missiles
