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The UK version of the US Javelin ATGW system, is a more
sophisticated guided weapon with a range of some 2,500 m.
A production contract was signed in early 2003 worth over £300
million. Industry sources suggest that up to 5,000 missiles and 300
firing posts have been ordered. First deliveries to the UK were made
in 2004 and the system has
replaced Milan. In UK service Javelin has a number of modifications
which include an enhanced Command Launch Unit (CLU) with a wider
field of view, and the ability to recognise targets at longer
ranges.
Although Javelin has been developed mainly to engage armoured
fighting vehicles, the system can also be used to neutralise
bunkers, buildings, and low-flying helicopters. Javelin’s top-attack
tandem warhead is claimed to defeat all known armour systems.
The US Army and Marine Corps have been using Javelin for some years
and the system is either in service, or has been selected by
Australia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Over
7,000 Javelin launchers have been manufactured since 1995. Javelin
is planned to be in UK service until 2025.
Figures suggest that in the 12 months to November 2009 some 580
missiles were fired. The cost of each missile is approximately
£49,000.
