https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wObxDOlqKZE
A look at US Javelin missiles that ‘melt tanks from the inside’ wreaking havoc on Russian armour in Ukraine
THOUSANDS of anti-tank weapons have been sent out to Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces and the Javelin missile has emerged as a firm favourite.
The American-made portable projectile has been key in destroying Russian tanks – though it’s by no means a silver bullet to winning the conflict.
Among the 17,000 anti-tank weapons received from numerous western nations, several hundred are FGM-148 Javelin launchers.
According to Ukraine, 444 Russian tanks have been blasted to pieces thanks to such technology so far – though it’s unclear exactly how many were because of the Javelin.
So popular and successful, it has been dubbed “Saint Javelin” after a meme featuring Mary Magdalene and the missile went viral.
The defence weapon costs $178,000/£135,600, while each replacement missile comes in at $78,000/£59,200.
With two explosive charges, the missile is capable of tearing through some of the toughest tanks, particularly the Russian T-90.
It’s best operated with two soldiers but can be used by a lone fighter too.
The Javelin works by locking onto a target’s thermal picture using heat sensors.
Fighters are able to look through a command launch unit and choose from various targets and attack types, with a disposable launch tube found on the back.
It can go as far as 2.5 miles, giving soldiers a decent distance to strike.
“The very information about the presence of Javelin in the service of the Armed Forces causes panic among occupiers,” Ukraine’s Armed Forces tweeted.
It’s also thought to be pretty easy to train people to use, which is ideal in the current crisis.
A US soldier told AFP “if you played a video game, you can use it”.
Despite the weapon’s success, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says what his country really needs is air defence systems and fighter jets.
