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Javelin missiles

26th June, 2024

Javelin missiles

Source:Indiatoday

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • India and the US are discussing co-producing American Javelin missiles in India to meet Indian military needs.
  • This comes amid ongoing efforts to acquire anti-tank guided missiles, including emergency purchases and indigenous development.

Details

Javelin missiles

Introduction

  • The FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
  • Developed by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
  • Designed to defeat heavily armoured vehicles, main battle tanks, bunkers, fortifications, and low-flying aircraft.

Development and Production                             

  • It is a product of joint Collaboration between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
  • Full-rate production began in 1994.
  • Entered U.S. military service in 1996.
  • Celebrated delivery of the 50,000th unit in 2021.

Features and Capabilities

Design Specifications

  • Warhead:4 kg tandem-charge, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT)
  • Maximum Range: 2,500 meters

Fire-and-Forget Technology

  • Uses automatic infrared guidance.
  • Allows the gunner to relocate immediately after firing.

Versatility

  • Direct Attack Mode: Effective against fortifications and low-flying aircraft.
  • Top Attack Mode: Targets less-armoured upper sections of main battle tanks.

Deployment

  • Shoulder-fired by a single operator.
  • Can be mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.

Operational Use

 U.S. Military

  • It is used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  • Over 5,000 engagements recorded.
  • Effective against armoured vehicles, bunkers, and caves.

International Customers

  • Adopted by numerous international customers.
  • Effective in various operational environments, including day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

Ukrainian Conflict

  • Extensively used by the Ukrainian military during the 2022 Russian invasion.
  • Highly effective against Russian main battle tanks and armoured vehicles.

Future Prospects

  • Expected to remain in inventory until at least 2050.
  • Continuous enhancements and support by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Sources:

economictimes

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Javelin anti-tank missile:

1.The Javelin missile has a maximum effective range of 2,500 meters.

2.It employs a wire-guided system for targeting.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A