Description

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Context:

The development is also aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government.

About Javelin Missile:

Feature	Details
Type	Man-portable, Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
Origin	United States
Developed By	Jointly by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin
Primary Use	To destroy heavily armored vehicles like main battle tanks
Secondary Targets	Fortifications, bunkers, helicopters, and lighter military vehicles
Induction Year	1996 (First entered service with the U.S. military)
Guidance System	Fire-and-forget with automatic infrared guidance
Attack Modes	Direct attack and top-attack modes
Mobility	Man-portable; allows immediate repositioning after firing
Operational Advantage	No need for external target designation or commands after launch
Tactical Use	Allows soldiers to fire and take cover quickly or reload for multiple threats

Strategic importance:

Co-production initiative is important for India to fill and increase its weapons rapidly.
The Javelin missile system is important to combat threats from Pakistan and China.
Indian defense forces require shoulder-launched missile systems that are light and portable in difficult areas.

ALSO READ- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/javelin-missiles

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/javelin-anti-tank-guided-missiles-india-us-procurement-co-production

Source: The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements about the Javelin Missile is/are correct?

It uses laser guidance to track its target.
It can engage targets in top-attack as well as direct-attack modes.
It was jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Javelin is a U.S.-made man-portable anti-tank guided missile developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It uses fire-and-forget infrared guidance, has top-attack capability to target armored vehicles, and an effective range of up to 4 km in newer versions.

Javelin uses infrared (not laser) guidance, and has both direct and top-attack modes.