Javelin is an anti-tank guided munition that can be carried and launched by a single person. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Javelin provides the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and numerous international customers with a medium-range, "fire-and-forget" missile for use against a wide array of targets including armored vehicles, bunkers and caves. 

The system’s Command Launch Unit, or sight, performs surveillance, allowing a gunner to see targets. Javelin can be deployed from multiple platforms and used during the day, at night and in any kind of weather. The program has also demonstrated that Javelin can be fired from a remote launcher mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle.

Javelin has been used in Afghanistan and Iraq in more than 5,000 engagements. The system is scheduled to be in inventory until 2050.

A U.S. Army soldier fires a Javelin missile during a live-fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 24, 2016. (Photo: U.S. Army)
A U.S. Army soldier fires a Javelin missile during a live-fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 24, 2016. (Photo: U.S. Army)
A U.S. Marine fires a Javelin at a simulated enemy tank at Pohakuloa Training Area in Hawaii. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
A U.S. Marine fires a Javelin at a simulated enemy tank at Pohakuloa Training Area in Hawaii. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
Fired from the shoulder, Javelin automatically guides itself to the target, allowing the operator to take cover. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
Fired from the shoulder, Javelin automatically guides itself to the target, allowing the operator to take cover. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
After launch, Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
After launch, Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
Javelin is the world’s most versatile and lethal one-man-portable, anti-tank, guided munition and surveillance weapon system.
Javelin is the world’s most versatile and lethal one-man-portable, anti-tank, guided munition and surveillance weapon system.
The primary mission of Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is as the launcher for the Javelin missile, however, its superior optics also allow for stand-alone Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.
The primary mission of Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is as the launcher for the Javelin missile, however, its superior optics also allow for stand-alone Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.