The unprecedented 4km shot demonstrated the Javelin’s lethality and precision on the battlefield.
The American-made Javelin anti-tank missile system has gained media attention in recent years for its killer performance in Ukraine. The lightweight, fire-and-forget weapon is highly effective at penetrating even the most advanced armor, including those with explosive reactive armor (ERA). In terms of range, the FGM-148 Javelin is actually more advanced than initially documented. After completing a series of Javelin test fires earlier this month, the British Army was able to launch the missile system’s Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) at a record range. The 4km shot, an unprecedented distance for the LWCLU, demonstrated the Javelin’s lethality and precision on the battlefield.
According to the DE&S project manager for the Javelin, “This is a major achievement for the UK Javelin program, delivering UK Armed Forces with a lighter, more capable anti-tank weapon that we will change the dynamics of battle,” adding that “This live fire exercise showcases a significant first-time event for the JJV and demonstrates that Javelin continues to mature to defeat ever-evolving threats.” The LWCLU is the product of a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon (RTX). Notably, this system measures 30 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the current Command Launch Unit, according to the U.K.’s Ministry of Defense. In addition to its apparent greater range, the LWCLU reportedly possesses superior target detection and recognition capabilities than its predecessor.
An Overview of the Javelin
The FGM-148 Javelin was initially designed as a replacement anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for the M47 Dragon. The game-changing weapon is an Any Known Armor system, meaning that it is capable of penetrating any known armor out there. In addition to the Javelin, the American-made AT-4 ATGM, 90mm recoilless rifle, the TOW ATGM, the Hellfire missile, and other well-known weapons also possess this impressive designation. As a fire-and-forget weapon, the Javelin enables its operator to remain undetectable post-launch, increasing survivability. The Javelin’s ability to strike a target from a straight trajectory or at an angle also provides a big advantage, as it gives its operator greater versatility. If an intended target is positioned without frontal protection, the operation can use the ATGM’s straight line-of-sight mode to easily take it out. However, the missile is also able to climb up to 150 meters and drop down from above to destroy a target that is protected with overhead cover.
Another key attribute featured by the Javelin is its smaller size. Weighing in at just under 50 pounds, the weapon can easily be perched on a shoulder. Although this weapon was designed to be shoulder-fired, it can also be mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles. As described by its manufacturer, Lockheed, “Using an arched top-attack profile, Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility and then strikes where the armor is weakest. To fire, the gunner places a cursor over the selected target. The Javelin command launch unit then sends a lock-on-before-launch signal to the missile.”
Considering the Javelin’s already impressive specs, the newly discovered extended range of the LWCLU is just another check for the ATGM.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.
Image: DVIDS.
