FGM-148 JAVELIN
The FGM-148 Javelin transformed anti-tank warfare by introducing fire-and-forget infrared guidance — the operator locks the seeker onto the target, fires, and immediately takes cover while the missile autonomously guides itself. Its top-attack mode arcs upward 150 meters before diving onto the thinner roof armor of tanks, defeating composite armor systems designed to resist frontal assault. In Ukraine, Javelin became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, with Ukrainian troops destroying T-72 and T-80 tanks in viral videos. The US provided over 8,500 Javelins to Ukraine — more than the entire pre-war US Army stockpile — at $80,000 per missile (the CLU sight costs another $170,000). The F-model upgrade adds improved seeker sensitivity for smaller targets and software-defined capabilities. Operators include 19 countries.
TECHNICAL SPECS
COMBAT HISTORY
Iraq (2003–2011), Afghanistan (2001–2021): destroyed numerous tanks and fortified positions. Georgia (2008): used against Russian forces. Ukraine (2022–present): over 8,000 Javelins delivered, confirming its ability to defeat T-72 and T-80 variants with top-attack mode.
