Georgia to Get Javelin Missiles from US
The United States Department of Defense reports that a new contract has been signed with Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture on producing anti-tank Javelin missiles for Georgia and several other countries.
The information reads that the US Department of Defense signed the $18,431,215 contract on February 28, according to which Javelin Joint Venture will perform the works in Tucson, Arizona, by June 25, 2020.
In addition to Georgia, Australia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates will also get anti-tank Javelin missiles from the US.
It is not the first time Georgia is to receive Javelins from the United States. On January 23, 2018, Georgia received Javelin anti-tank systems from the United States which cost Georgia $75 million at the time.
The first time, the US State Department approved Georgia for the purchase of 410 Javelin missiles and 72 launch units in November 2017. It said that the Javelin system would “provide Georgia with increased capacity to meet its national defense requirements.” The US state Department also noted then that the systems would boost Georgia’s anti-armor capabilities, allowing it to better defend against enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
Though the sale was small, it demonstrated deepening ties between the US and Georgia, a nation that has sought NATO membership for years. Georgia moved quickly to begin procurement after the approval of the sale. Deliveries were already being reported by early 2018 and some systems were on display in May of that year, confirming that a contract was in force.
Russia immediately emphasized that Georgia’s deepening of military cooperation with NATO countries, especially with the United States, was “dangerous.”
“Russia believes this outside military support is directly encouraging Tbilisi to new dangerous adventures in the region,” Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed.
What is a Javelin anti-tank missile?
Javelin, also known as FGM-148, is an American man-portable “fire-and-forget” anti-tank missile fielded to replace the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in US service. It 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 actively guide the weapon throughout the engagement.
The Javelin's high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks by attacking them from above where their armor is thinnest and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight.
One of the main advantages of the Javelin system is its portability. It is easy to separate into main components and easy to set up when needed. Also, the Javelin is lighter than the other missiles and their necessary parts and has range of up to 4,750 meters and in most cases it scores the target 100%.
Another advantage is the Javelin's power at impact. The missile's tandem shaped charge warhead is made to penetrate reactive armor. With the top attack mode, it has an even greater ability to destroy the tank because it can attack where most tanks are weakest.
The soft launch capability of the Javelin allows it to have only a minimal backblast area. In addition to reducing the visible launch signature from the enemy, this enables the Javelin to be fired from inside structures with minimal preparation.
When listing disadvantages, the first thing that comes up is the total weight of the missile, at 22.3 kilograms. The system is designed to be carried by infantry on foot and weighs more than originally specified by the US Army requirement.
Another disadvantage is the reliance on a thermal view to acquire targets. The thermal views are not able to operate until the refrigeration component has cooled the system. The manufacturer estimates 30 seconds until this is complete, but depending on the ambient temperature, this process may take much longer.
Moreover, Javelin launchers and missiles are expensive. As of 2018, the unit cost for a Javelin weapon system was at $206,705, while each missile costs around $83,000.
By Tea Mariamidze
Image source: globalresearch.ca