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 Javelin
is the world’s first manportable, fire-and-forget,
mediumrange missile system. The compact, lightweight
missile is designed for one-soldier operations
in all environments. It enhances direct-fire capability
against armored vehicles, buildings and field
fortifications.
Raytheon is offering the missile system to India,
said Mr Copsons.
Using the Javelin missile system, a single infantryman
can engage and defeat targets at ranges up to
two and a half kilometers (1.6 miles). Raytheon
describes the Javelin as the world’s most versatile,
lethal, man-portable medium-range closecombat
assault and anti-armor weapon system. It is optimized
for close combat and to destroy armor targets
and other vehicles, bunkers, buildings and helicopters..
Its fire-andforget infrared technology enables
infantrymen for rapid reaction.
Developed and built by a joint venture formed
by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin has
been combat proven in Afghanistan and Iraq by
US and allied soldiers, Marines and Special Forces.
It is in service with 11 other countries also.
 “India
is in talks with the United States to buy Raytheon’s
Javelin fire-and-forget missiles that have been
used in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Admiral Walter
Doran, President Asia, Raytheon informed India
Strategic. He added that if Javelin comes to India
it will come in a governmentto- government Foreign
Military Sale (FMS) deal.
The Javel in has secondary capabilities against
helicopters and ground-fighting positions. Its
direct-attack capability will engage targets with
overhead cover or in bunkers. Its “soft launch”
allows employment from within buildings and enclosed
fighting positions. The soft launch signature
limits the gunner’s exposure to the enemy, thus
increasing survivability.
Javelin can engage and defeat targets sooner
than indirect fire. It has a high survivability
and high hitto- kill probability. The precision
also ensures minimum collateral damage and stand-off
lethality.
The system weighs 22.45 kilos and is ready to
fire in 30 seconds with a reload time of 20 seconds.
Its missiles have a shelf life of 10 years.
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