Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Launcher

Raytheon received a $21.27 million dollar contract from the US Army in late September 2009 to continue upgrading the ITAS launcher to the latest configuration with the Far Target Locator which entered production in FY06; this adds a GPS-based position and attitude determination subsystem which enables the system to generate a 10 digit coordinate of a target location. ITAS is integrated into the M1134 Stryker launcher and is also fielded by the USMC, Canada and Portugal.

FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank

US Army and USMC infantry and combat engineers units are equipped with the Javelin Anti-Armour Weapon System-Medium produced by the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture; the Javelin is the first should-launched fire-and-forget missile to enter US service. Whereas the TOW is used at the battalion level, the manportable Javelin is used at the company and platoon level; the Command Launch Unit and a missile in its launch container weigh less than 23 kg.


The top-attack missile is fitted with a tandem warhead with two shaped charges: a precursor to initiate explosive reactive armour (ERA) and a main warhead to penetrate base armour. The Javelin has achieved a first round hit in 95 percent of engagements. The after action report of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) following the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 stated: “The Javelin missile was an invaluable weapon in defeating enemy armored forces and reinforced positions to include bunkers, building, and revetments.

There is no other weapon that can support dismounted infantry in fighting against these types of engagements. The command launch unit (CLU) provided day and night capability with the Javelin missile as well as provided
vehicles without [the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System] and dismounted infantrymen with a means of thermal observation out to four kilometers.” Production of the improved Javelin Block 1 missile and CLU began in September 2006. The performance improvements in the Block I CLUs are increased target identification range, increased surveillance time with new battery and software management and external
RS-170 interface for video output. The performance improvements in the Block I missiles are increased probability of hit/kill at 2,500 metres, improved warhead lethality and reduced time of flight.

A ‘leatherneck’ of the 1st Marine Division launches a Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Anti-Armor
Weapon System-Medium missile against a Taliban-held compound during combat operations in
Afghanistan

The combination of light weight, range, and lethality as well as the surveillance capability provided by the CLU make Javelin a popular weapon with light forces. US special forces, Australia’s Special Air Service Regiment and the UK’s Royal Marines have successfully employed Javelin in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The Javelin has been exported to 10 countries - Australia, the Czech Republic, Jordan, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Taiwan and the UK - with other customers negotiating possible purchases. The US Army plans to integrate the Javelin with the Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station fitted on the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle.

Posted in: U.S Launcher and Missile