The MoD has placed a multi-million pound order for the infrastructure to support continued operations of its Javelin US-designed and built missile systems, it emerged at the beginning of January 2010. Under the terms of the contract, the UK armed forces will receive in excess of 1,300 Javelin missile parts, with initial deliveries set to start later this year and carry on through to 2012.

Javelin Missile System

Produced through a collaboration involving Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the Javelin missile system is in multinational military service. It has been used since 1996, and the British military has had it for five years, where it has been filling its LFATGWS (Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System) requirement. The concept of Javelin revolves around portability: only one operator is needed, although the usual mode of use sees two military personnel employed – a gunner who launches the missile, and an ammo bearer who operates in the reconnaissance role.

“The current battlefield requires precision at all levels of the fight, and Javelin meets the need for precision at both the platoon and squad levels”, Raytheon’s Duane Gooden stated in recent comments, adding: “Javelin is the weapon of choice for infantry, special operations and rapid reaction forces due to its unmatched lethality, versatility and gunner survivability.”

In a combat scenario (such as in Iraq, where it has been deployed), the Javelin boosts direct-fire capability against buildings, bunkers, military vehicles including tanks and other targets. The missile is capable of reaching targets over one-and-a-half miles away (up to 2,500 metres), and 12 countries possess it in all.

British Army Javelin

Compared to US versions, the British Army Javelin has boosted optics and boasts a tripod for stability. It can be used in a multitude of environments, in all types of weather and at any time of day or night.

Once it has struck a target, it can immediately shift to the next intended target, as Lockheed Martin representative Barry James explained.

“Because the Javelin automatically guides itself to the target after launch, the missile system allows the gunner to either take cover to avoid counterfire or engage another threat”, he said.