The Javelin is an advanced anti-tank guided missile system developed to provide infantry forces with superior firepower and mobility. It uses a “fire-and-forget” system, enabling operators to relocate immediately after launch, which enhances their survivability. Designed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin has been in service since the mid-1990s and is employed by multiple nations around the world.
With its precision-guided capabilities and versatility, the Javelin can target armored vehicles, fortifications, and even low-flying helicopters. Its lightweight and ergonomic design allow it to be carried and operated by a single soldier, making it highly effective in both conventional and asymmetrical warfare scenarios.
Design and Features of the Javelin
The Javelin system consists of two primary components: the Command Launch Unit (CLU) and the missile itself. The CLU provides advanced thermal imaging and targeting capabilities, allowing the operator to acquire targets in adverse weather conditions and low visibility. The missile is housed in a disposable launch tube that attaches to the CLU for deployment.
The “fire-and-forget” technology allows the missile to lock onto a target before launch and then guide itself using infrared homing, reducing the operator’s exposure to counterfire. The missile can engage targets using either a direct or top-attack mode, with the latter designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the thinner armor on the tops of tanks.
Javelin Missile Performance & Capabilities
The Javelin boasts an effective range of 2,500 meters, with newer models reportedly capable of reaching up to 4 kilometers. Its tandem-charge warhead can penetrate modern explosive reactive armor (ERA), ensuring lethality against heavily armored targets. The missile’s soft launch capability allows it to be fired from enclosed spaces, enhancing its usability in urban combat.
The Javelin system excels in enhancing infantry effectiveness against armored threats. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with sophisticated targeting, makes it a reliable weapon for both seasoned and less-experienced soldiers. Its mobility and ease of deployment in varied environments make it a staple for modern military operations, with a proven track record in combat scenarios worldwide.
Javelin Missile Cost
The cost of the Javelin anti-tank missile system varies based on its components and the purchasing context. As of Fiscal Year 2021, the unit cost for a G-model Javelin missile was approximately $216,717, while the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (CLU) was around $249,700.
