BGM-71 Missile

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System SACLOS Wire-Guided Command Guidance
Maximum Speed Approximately Mach 0.7
Launch Compatibility Ground Launchers, Bradley IFV, Helicopters
Warhead Technology HEAT and Tandem HEAT Warheads

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	BGM-71 TOW
Type / Role	Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon
Service Entry / Year Introduced	1970
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	Up to 4.5 km (variant dependent)
Speed	Approximately Mach 0.7
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Not Applicable
Accuracy (CEP)	High precision, operator-guided
Warhead Type	HEAT, Tandem HEAT, Bunker Buster

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	SACLOS Wire-Guided
Targeting Mode	Command Guided
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground Vehicles, Tripods, Helicopters
Seeker Type	Optical Tracking System

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	1.17 m
Diameter	152 mm
Wingspan	0.46 m
Launch Weight	Approximately 22.6 kg
Propulsion	Solid-Fuel Rocket Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Approximately 5.9 kg
Explosive Type	HEAT / Tandem HEAT
Detonation Mechanism	Impact Fuse
Payload Options	Anti-Armor, Anti-Bunker

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short
Deployment Platform	Ground and Air
Target Types	Tanks, Armored Vehicles, Fortifications
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	United States, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Taiwan, Egypt and others

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.5

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Combat proven across multiple conflicts
Effective against modern armored vehicles
Long engagement range for anti-tank missions
Multiple warhead options available
Compatible with ground and airborne platforms

CONS

Wire-guided system limits maneuverability
Requires operator target tracking throughout flight
Slower than modern fire-and-forget missiles
Vulnerable to battlefield obstacles affecting guidance wire
Heavier launcher system compared to newer ATGMs

BGM-71 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile

The BGM-71 TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided) missile is one of the world’s most widely used anti-tank guided weapons. Developed during the Cold War, the missile was designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles, fortified positions, and battlefield targets at extended ranges. Over decades of service, the TOW has undergone numerous upgrades, improving its range, guidance, and armor penetration capabilities.

The missile remains in active service with the U.S. military and many allied nations. Its combat-proven record across multiple conflicts has established it as a reliable and effective anti-armor weapon system.

Manufacturer

The BGM-71 TOW was originally developed by the company now known as Raytheon, a division of RTX Corporation. Development began in the 1960s for the U.S. Army as a replacement for earlier anti-tank missile systems.

Manufactured in the United States, the TOW is deployed from ground vehicles, tripod launchers, and helicopters. Major launch platforms include the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and various armored vehicles used by allied forces.

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Speed and Range

The BGM-71 TOW travels at approximately Mach 0.7 (around 278 to 320 m/s depending on variant). Modern versions can engage targets at distances of up to 4.5 kilometers, allowing operators to destroy enemy armor before entering the effective range of many tank weapons.

Advanced variants feature tandem-warhead designs capable of defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA) and heavily protected main battle tanks.

Cost/Price

The exact procurement cost varies by variant and contract. Open-source defense estimates place the unit cost of modern TOW missiles at approximately $50,000 to $90,000 per missile, excluding launcher systems, training, and support equipment.

The TOW remains a cost-effective anti-armor solution due to its proven performance, long service history, and continuous modernization.

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