



| Name / Designation | FGM 148 Javelin |
| Type / Role | Man portable anti tank guided missile |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon / Lockheed Martin |
| Service Entry / Year Introduced | 1996 |
| Operational Status | Active |
| Range | Up to 4 km |
| Speed | High subsonic |
| Ceiling / Altitude Limit | Not applicable |
| Accuracy (CEP) | High precision impact guidance |
| Warhead Type | Tandem high explosive anti armor |
| Guidance System | Infrared imaging |
| Targeting Mode | Fire and forget |
| Launch Platform Compatibility | Ground infantry launcher |
| Seeker Type | Imaging infrared seeker |
| Length | About 1.1 m |
| Diameter | About 0.12 m |
| Wingspan | Not applicable |
| Launch Weight | About 22 kg system total |
| Propulsion | Solid rocket motor |
| Warhead Weight | Not publicly standardized |
| Explosive Type | Tandem shaped charge |
| Detonation Mechanism | Impact fuse |
| Payload Options | Anti armor conventional |
| Operational Range Type | Short to medium |
| Deployment Platform | Ground infantry |
| Target Types | Tanks armored vehicles bunkers |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
| Users / Operators | United States and allied forces |
The Javelin missile is a man portable anti tank guided weapon widely used by infantry forces for precision strikes against armored threats. Developed in the United States, it is designed for modern battlefield conditions where mobility, accuracy, and rapid engagement are critical. The system uses a fire and forget guidance approach, allowing operators to lock on a target and immediately reposition after launch. Its top attack flight profile enables it to strike armored vehicles at their most vulnerable upper surfaces, increasing effectiveness against main battle tanks and fortified positions.
The system is produced through a joint venture between Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin. It was introduced into U.S. military service in the late 1990s and has since become a standard anti armor solution for infantry units across multiple allied nations. The missile incorporates advanced infrared imaging technology for target tracking and autonomous guidance.
The Javelin missile has an effective engagement range of approximately 2.5 kilometers under standard conditions, with extended versions reaching up to 4 kilometers. It travels at high subsonic speed, reaching its target in seconds after launch. The system is optimized for short to medium range battlefield engagements and performs effectively in day or night operations as well as in adverse weather conditions.
The cost of a single Javelin missile is generally estimated between 175,000 and 250,000 dollars depending on configuration and procurement agreements. The full system, including the command launch unit, carries a higher cost due to its advanced thermal imaging and targeting electronics.
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