News – India has submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the U.S. for co-production of the missile in India under defence cooperation.

Highlights

Key Facts about the Javelin Missile

• Type: Man-portable, American-made Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

• Developed by: Raytheon and Lockheed Martin (USA).
• Purpose: Designed to destroy heavily armored vehicles like main battle tanks, as well as bunkers, fortifications, and helicopters.
• Service Entry: First used by the U.S. military in 1996.

Technical Features

• Guidance System: Fire-and-forget with infrared homing, allowing immediate repositioning after launch.
• Effective Range:
• Standard: 5 km
• Newer variants: Up to 4 km
• Weight: 11 kg
• Attack Modes:
• Top-attack: Strikes vulnerable upper armor of tanks.
• Direct-attack: For lower-profile or fortified targets.