It is small wonder some Russian tank crews have even refused to go into the fight.
The FGM-148 is a fire-and-forget platform that utilizes an automatic infrared guidance.
That allows the user to take cover and avoid counter-fire immediately after launch.
A soldier assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, fires a Javelin anti-tank missile during training in Germany. Image: U.S. Army/Sgt. William A. Tanner
Then a flight motor is ignited only after it sufficiently clears the operator.
The seeker further allows the missile to track a target and alter its flight path accordingly.
In addition to targeting armor, the Javelin can also be used against fortifications in a direct attack fight.
A British soldier with the Kings Royal Hussar’s, prepares to fire a with Javelin anti-tank missile during a NATO integration exercise in Estonia. Image: UK MOD
FGM-148 Specifications
The downside of the Javelin has been its cost.
Most of the missiles fired appear to be CGI; again, likely due to the cost.
A soldier fires an FGM-148 Javelin during live-fire training in Jordan, Aug. 27, 2019. Image: U.S. Army/Spc. Shadrach Hicks
A Royal Marine prepares to fire a Javelin anti-tank missile during NATO training with Norwegian and U.S. forces in Latvia. Image: UK MOD
A soldier prepares an FGM-148 Javelin to fire at simulated enemies during an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., Sep. 29, 2019. Image: U.S. Army/Pfc. Brooke Davis
Soldiers fire an FGM-148 Javelin during combined arms live-fire training as part of Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Aug. 27, 2019. Image: U.S. Army/Sgt. Liane Hatch
Members of the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade, 3rd (UK) Division train with the Javelin AT system. Image: UK MOD
British Soldiers fire the Javelin anti-tank missile during live ranges as part of the Winter Camp phase of the OP CABRIT 9 NATO training in Estonia. Image: UK MOD
A soldier of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, carries a Javelin AT missile during a parade through Penicuikafter, Scotland after a tour in Iraq. Image: UK MOD
