Javelin missiles

Source:Indiatoday

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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