FGM-148 Javelin
WesternJoint Javelin
The FGM-148 Javelin is a fire-and-forget man-portable anti-tank missile system jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It uses an infrared imaging seeker and can attack from above — the top-attack mode strikes the thin armor on top of a tank's turret, defeating most composite or reactive armor. Ukraine received thousands of Javelin systems before and during the 2022 invasion.
Primary Role
Anti-tank / anti-armor — destroy tanks, IFVs, and fortified positions
First documented use in Ukraine: 2022-02-24
Specifications
| Range | 2,500 m (direct), 4,000 m (extended) |
| Warhead | Tandem shaped-charge HEAT |
| Guidance | Infrared imaging (fire-and-forget) |
| Weight (CLU + missile) | 22.3 kg |
| Attack modes | Top-attack, direct attack |
| HEAT penetration | 600–800 mm RHA equiv. |
| Country | United States |
✓ Strengths
- •Fire-and-forget — operator can immediately seek cover
- •Top-attack mode defeats all main battle tank roof armor
- •Effective in day/night/adverse weather conditions
- •Man-portable — can be used by individual infantry teams
⚠ Limitations
- •High cost per missile (~$178,000 USD)
- •Heavy — 22 kg limits infantry mobility
- •Minimum range limitation (~65 m)
- •Seeker can be affected by countermeasures
Notable Use
During the Battle of Kyiv, Ukrainian forces destroyed hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles using Javelin missiles. The image of a Ukrainian soldier with a Javelin became one of the iconic images of the conflict.
Ukraine War Context
Ukraine received approximately 5,000+ Javelin systems from the US and allies before and during the war. They proved decisive in defeating the initial Russian armored thrust on Kyiv in February–March 2022, destroying T-72B3 and T-80 tanks at range.