Ukrainian army has test-fired American Javelin anti-tank missile.

May 22, 2018, Ukrainian army soldiers have test-fired for the first time, American-made Javelin anti-tank guided missile during a military training exercise that was attended by the Ukrainian President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Petro Poroshenko. The tests were carried out in northern Ukraine.

The American-made Javelin anti-tank guided missile is test-fired for the first time by Ukrainian soldiers, May 22, 2018. (Picture source Ukraine MoD)

In April 2018, United States has confirmed the delivery of American-made, Javelin antitank missile systems to Ukraine. In March 2018, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine of Javelin Missiles and Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs) for an estimated cost of $47 million.

For this U.S. foreign sale, the Government of Ukraine had requested to buy two hundred ten (210) Javelin Missiles and thirty-seven (37) Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs) (includes two (2) Javelin CLUs to be used as spares). Also included are Basic Skill Trainers (BST); United States Government and contractor technical assistance, transportation, training and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is not to exceed $47 million.

The prime contractors are Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, Florida and Tucson, Arizona. However, these missiles are being provided from U.S. Army stocks and the CLUs are obtained from on-hand Special Defense Acquisition Fund (SDAF)-purchased stocks.

According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the implementation of this sale was performed by U.S. Government and contractor representatives who alos have conducted the training.

Javelin is a compact, lightweight missile designed for one-soldier operations in all environments. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin. Javelin has been adopted by international armed forces around the world. It is currently fielded with the U.S. Army and has also been approved for foreign military sales to 21 nations.

The Javelin system consists of the CLU (Command Launch Unit) and the missile. The CLU, with a carry weight of 6.4kg, incorporates a passive target acquisition and fire control unit with an integrated day sight and a thermal imaging sight. The latest Javelin missile model FGM-148F, is fitted with multi-purpose warhead. It can be used against enemy personnel, weapon crews, buildings and lightly armored or unarmored vehicles with a firing range from <75 m to >2,500 m.

After launch, Javelin automatically guides itself to the target, allowing the operator to take cover and avoid counter fire. The operator can reposition immediately after launch or reload to engage another threat. Following launch, Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility and then strikes where the vehicle's armor is weakest. Javelin's launch design allows it to be safely fired from inside buildings or bunkers.