Thailand to replace obsolete 106mm recoilless rifles with US Javelin missile weapon systems.

According to information published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on July 30, 2021, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Thailand of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $83.5 million.
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Georgia Army National Guardsman, Spc. William James, cavalry scout, Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Canton, Ga., gains proficiency on the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile weapon system. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The Government of Thailand has requested to buy three hundred (300) Javelin FGM-148 Missiles; and fifty (50) Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU). Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers; missile simulation rounds; Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Technical Assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office Technical Assistance; contractor lifecycle support; spares manuals; batteries/chargers; gunner training; ammunition officer training; OCONUS Modified Level 2 Maintenance Training; System Inspection and Check Out (SICO); and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The Javelin Weapon System will replace the obsolete 106mm Recoilless Rifles that the Royal Thai Army (RTA) acquired as part of the Military Assistance Program (MAP) from the Vietnam era. This proposed sale will allow the RTA to modernize its light anti-tank capability and maintain its current force posture, as well as enhance interoperability with the U.S. during operations and training exercises.

The Javelin surface-attack guided missile and launcher is a fire-and-forget, man-portable medium close combat missile system consisting of a command launch unit (CLU) and a missile. The Javelin is operated by an individual Soldier or in crews of two or three. Soldiers can use the Javelin during the day, at night, and during limited visibility conditions.

The Javelin missile weapon system consists of a reusable M98A1 CLU and a missile. The CLU houses the day sight, night vision sight (NVS), controls, and indicators. The round consists of the missile, the launch tube assembly (LTA), and the battery coolant unit (BCU). The missile contains the guidance section, mid-body section, warhead section, propulsion section, and control actuator section. The LTA serves as the launch platform and carrying container for the missile. 

An operationally ready Javelin system weighs 22.13 kg maximum, depending on the variant. The Javelin missile employs a tandem shaped-charge warhead to defeat vehicle armor and can be fired in
direct-attack or top-attack modes. It can penetrate up to 750 mm of armor with a firing of up to 4,000 m.