Group : Infantry Launch Units
Status : Active
Also Known As : AAWS-M, FGM-148
Origin : United States of America
Contractors : Lockheed Martin, Raytheon
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1996
Total Production : 12,000

The Javelin is a man portable fire and forget anti-armor weapon system employed by dismounted infantry. It is replacing the Dragon weapon system in the US Army and US Marine Corps inventory. Special operations forces will also receive this medium-range anti-tank weapon system. The Javelin is capable of defeating all-known armored vehicles using its tandem shaped charge and top-attack, a direct attack profile is possible too. Its range and fire and forget features make Javelin more survivable than the majority of existing anti-tank weapon systems. Its low weight, allowing fast moving around the battlefield, is another advantage over existing anti-tank weapon systems. The Javelin Command Launch Unit (CLU) consists of a launch tube assembled to a targeting and control unit. The targeting unit has optical and second generation IR sensors allowing the Javelin to fire under adverse weather conditions, day and night. The command launch unit weighs approximately 10.5 kg and it is 1.2 meters long.

The Javelin operates day or night, in adverse conditions. After attaching the missile to the CLU, the gunner places a cursor box over the target and sends a lock-on before launch command to the missile. The the missile is ready for firing against stationary and moving targets. The Javelin's potential growth will enable itself for integration on several vehicles and to counter emerging threats, new countermeasures etc. Javelin could remain in the US armed forces inventory through the 2020 timeframe. Integration onto ground and sea platforms is being evaluated. It was successfully employed during operation Iraqi Freedom by the US Army units. According to the press images, the Javelin and the TOW missiles were the US infantry weapon of choice against Saddam's troops strongholds. The United Kingdom and other allied nations have purchased the Javelin weapon system already.

In 2003, the Javelin anti-armor weapon system was selected by the United Kingdom. The weapon system will be produced locally in the UK between Lockheed-Martin, Raytheon and BAe Systems with an estimated total cost of £300 million ($535 million). Deliveries to British military units will begin in 2005. In June 2004, the Czech Republic selected Javelin for its armed forces. In October 2004, the UK MoD placed a second order valued at $180 million for additional Javelin weapon systems to meet the British Army's Armored Ground Component (AGC) requirement. Launch units and missile rounds will be delivered to an infantry brigade and a reconnaissance brigade. Deliveries of AGC-compliant Javelin are scheduled to begin in 2007. In early 2005, the Sultanate of Oman agreed on purchasing the Javelin medium-range anti-tank weapon system to equip its armed forces. Negotiations with the US government started in October 2004 with the signing of a letter of agreement. Oman will receive around 100 Javelin missiles and the corresponding command launch units.

The US Army awarded Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon Javelin Joint Venture a $95 million contract for production of 120 Javelin command launch units (CLUs) and 1,038 missiles on 25 May 2005. This order followed operational successes scored by the Javelin anti-tank weapon system deployed by the US Army and US Marine Corps in Iraq. In October 2005, Javelin Joint Venture was awarded a $110 million modification contract for an additional 901 Javelin weapon system Command Launch Units (CLUs) and 101 trainer systems. Equipment deliveries were expected to be completed by September 2008.