Just How Powerful is the Javelin Anti-tank Missile in the Ukraine War?
Javelin is a portable anti-tank weapon, manufactured by the Raytheon / Lockheed Martin Javelin joint venture (JV) that is shoulder-fired but can also be installed on tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles. It has been deployed extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq for combat missions. The total number of orders of the missile is more than 45,000 and it is expected to be operational with the US until 2050.
This system uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch, as opposed to wire-guided systems, like the Dragon, which require the user to guide the weapon throughout the engagement. The Javelin's HEAT warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks by hitting them from above where their armor is thinnest, and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight. this system is designed to replace the M47 Dragon.