'Javelin missile': Why it became the most famous anti-tank weapon in the world
The FGM-148 Javelin is a highly effective anti-tank missile known for its top-attack profile and fire-and-forget technology. It allows infantry to destroy heavy armour from safe distances.
94 Per Cent Success
The FGM-148 Javelin holds a 94 per cent combat hit rate. It uses fire-and-forget technology, allowing the operator to lock onto a target, launch the weapon, and immediately seek physical cover before the missile reaches its destination.
150 Metres Peak Altitude
Unlike traditional anti-tank weapons, this missile utilises a specific top-attack flight profile. It ascends rapidly to a peak altitude of 150 metres before diving directly onto a tank's roof, where the defensive steel armour is significantly thinner.
Pierces 760 mm Armour
The weapon carries an 8.4 kg tandem-charge high-explosive antitank warhead built to defeat reactive armour. A precursor explosive punches through the outer protective plates, allowing the main warhead to penetrate over 760 mm of solid rolled steel.
22.1 Kg Launch Weight
Despite its penetration capability, the entire system remains man-portable with a total launch weight of 22.1 kg. This functional design allows a single infantryman to engage heavy battle tanks on the ground without requiring mounted vehicles.
4 Kilometre Max Range
The separate command launch unit features passive infrared guidance that tracks targets up to a range of four kilometres. This long-distance capability allows ground troops to engage enemy armour safely, well outside the reach of standard retaliatory fire.
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