BGM-71 Missile

Full Specifications

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.

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.