Deadly "spear" against Russian armor:"Tank killer" Javelin ATGM in the war in Ukraine

Talks about supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces with Javelin anti-tank missile systems began back in 2014, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These talks were only talks because, despite Ukraine's requests for the transfer of these ATGMs, the supply of lethal weapons and advanced technologies was blocked.

Javelin anti-tank missile system, photo: gettyimages

The "green light" for the Javelin delivery appeared in 2017, when the Trump administration finally decided to support the transfer of these ATGMs to Ukraine. Eventually, in March 2018, the US State Department officially confirmed this information, and in May of that year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received the first 37 launchers and 210 anti-tank missiles worth $47 million.

This was the first step and paved the way for other deals to supply Javelin ATGMs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, in rather small quantities. For example, in the fall of 2019, the U.S. State Department and Congress approved the sale of 150 missiles and 10 launchers for $39 million. In June 2020, it became known that equipment and ammunition, including ATGMs, had been transferred for more than $60 million. Eventually, in October 2021, Ukraine received another 30 launchers and 180 missiles as part of $60 million in aid. 

Subsequently, Estonia received permission to transfer Javelin ATGMs and handed over a batch of these weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in February 2022, less than a week before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Javelin system’s role on the battlefield

The Javelin anti-tank missile system is used to engage a number of targets, including Russian armored vehicles, primarily tanks, fortifications, and even targets in the air, provided they are flying at low altitudes and not very fast, such as helicopters or drones. 

As of early February, the Ukrainian Defense Forces could count on about 150 launchers of this ATGM and approximately 1000-1200 missiles. As of June, the number of missiles and launchers transferred increased to 6500.

The Javelin ATGM is primarily characterized by its ease of use, with crew training taking just a few days, and it is a priority for special forces and other specialized units. 

One of the features of the Javelin is its mobility, so it was primarily used for light force raids, and one of its tasks is to hinder the actions of enemy armored vehicles. In the first weeks of the war, this ATGM played a significant role, as the Ukrainian Armed Forces relied primarily on small mobile groups armed with Javelin that could effectively destroy Russian tanks and other enemy equipment. At the same time, in the 11th month of the full-scale war with Russia, the following can be said about this ATGM. It is an effective tool for infantry that allows them to both "minus" enemy tanks and destroy other weapons and military equipment.

What kind of Javelin is Ukraine getting?

Back in 2020, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that the Ukrainian Armed Force were receiving one of the most modern versions of the Javelin anti-tank missile system from the US, namely the FGM-148E or FGM-148 Block 1, which has been in service with the US Army since 2008. 

So, what updates has the modernized version of the FGM-148E received? Firstly, a new engine that makes the missile reach the target faster. Secondly, it has a reinforced warhead to better hit targets. Thirdly, the modernized M98A2 CLU launcher. New software and a 12x sight have had a qualitative impact on the accuracy of the system. At the same time, the weight of the Javelin has been reduced, which is also a serious "plus", since the soldier has to "drag" it behind him. 

What are the advantages of Javelin as an ATGM?

This anti-tank missile system is designed on the principle of "fire and forget". This is the main advantage of this ATGM, since after firing, there is no need to illuminate the target and "guide" the missile until it hits the target. You can immediately leave the position. Also, this ATGM can operate in smoke, fog, Russian electronic warfare systems, etc. Finally, this anti-tank system has an "option" to hit a tank in one of the least protected parts, namely the top of the vehicle's turret.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the complex

The combat weight of the Javelin ATGM is 22.3 kg, of which 6.8 kg is the weight of the launcher, while the missile weight is 15.5 kg. The ATGM can destroy targets at a range of up to 3 km, with a minimum effective range of 150 m in the "top attack" mode and 65 m when the missile is launched in a straight line. The time to bring the missile to combat readiness is less than 30 seconds, and reloading is less than 20 seconds.

Oleksiy Levkov, Defense Express - specially for Espreso TV channel.