United States has delivered 128 anti-tank missile systems Javelin to Estonia.

According to a statement released on April 2, 2020, by U.S. embassy in Estonia, On February 15, 2020, the United States delivered 128 anti-tank Raytheon Javelin missiles to the Estonian Ministry of Defense and Estonian Defense Forces as part of a larger contract signed by the Estonian Center for Defense Investment and the U.S. Department of Defense.

U.S. Marines with the Combined Anti-Armor Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, prepare to fire an FGM-148 Javelin Missile.(Picture source U.S. DoD)

The shipment will continue to build upon Estonia’s defensive capabilities and further strengthens our nations’ strategic integration while ensuring interoperability among NATO Allies and partners. The Javelin anti-tank missile systems are part of an on-going cooperative effort involving joint financing from the U.S. Department of State and Estonian national funds.

The Estonian Defense Forces and United States European Command continue to work together to achieve joint strategic objectives and guarantee stability in the region. The United States has provided Estonia with over $100 million in joint defense cooperation over the past few years, and takes part in over 150 military-to-military engagements between our service members each year.

In October 2014, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Estonia for Javelin missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $55 million.

The Government of Estonia has requested a possible sale of 350 Javelin Guided Missiles, 120 Command Launch Units (CLU) with Integrated Day/Thermal Sight, 102 Battery Coolant Units, 16 Enhanced Performance Basic Skills Trainers (EPBST), 102 Missile Simulation Rounds (MSR), spare and repair parts, rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, battery chargers and dischargers, support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $55 million.

The Javelin FGM-148 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 Missiles & Defense and Lockheed Martin. It uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch, as opposed to wire-guided systems. The Javelin's HEAT warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks by attacking them from above where their armor is thinnest (see top-attack), and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight. It has an effective range from 2,500 to 4,000 m.