India to order large number of Javelin anti-tank missiles from US

[Bang Galore]

NEW DELHI: Faced with a huge shortfall of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), coupled with the delayed induction of the indigenous `Nag' missile, India will order a "large'' number of the quite-expensive Javelin ATGM systems from the US.

The deal for the man-portable, fire-and-forget Javelin ATGM systems will once again be a direct government-to-government one under the American foreign military sales (FMS) programme, without any global multi-vendor competition.

Much to the dismay of Russians and Europeans, India is increasingly taking the FMS route to ink big arms deals with US. The biggest on the verge of finalisation, of course, is for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III giant strategic airlift for upwards of $3 billion.

As for the Javelin contract, defence minister A K Antony told Parliament on Monday the "letter of request'' to US government for procurement of the third-generation ATGM, along with "transfer of technology'', would be issued soon.

This means India will buy some of the 2.5-km range Javelin systems off-the-shelf, while a much larger number will be indigenously manufactured under licensed production. The US has already showcased the ATGM system during bilateral combat exercises like `Yudh-Abhyas' in Babina last October, as reported earlier.

While the exact number of Javelin systems India will induct is yet to be decided, it could well run into thousands. The Army, after all, has a shortfall of around 44,000 ATGMs of different types. "Though Army has an authorised holding of 81,206 ATGMs, not even half that number is present in its inventory,'' said a source.

This when Pakistan is inducting a wide array of missiles, including 2,769 TOW-2A heavy anti-armour guided missiles from US. Mechanised as well as regular infantry units armed with advanced ATGM systems are deemed critical to slow down, if not halt, enemy armoured thrusts into one's territory.

Indian infantry units are as of now equipped with variants of the second-generation 2-km-range Milan and 4-km-range Konkurs ATGMs, produced by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Ltd under licence from French and Russian companies.

As for the third-generation Nag ATGM, with a 4-km strike range, Army has placed an initial order for 443 missiles and 13 Namicas (Nag missile tracked carriers). After 20 years of development, the Nag is only now getting ready to enter the production/induction phase.

The urgency about the fast-dwindling ATGM stock can be gauged from the fact that Army has ordered 4,100 "advanced'' Milan-2T missiles, with "tandem warheads'', as well as 15,000 Konkurs-M missiles over the last couple of years.

India to order large number of Javelin anti-tank missiles from US - India - The Times of India

 

[d14gtc]

NEW DELHI: Faced with a huge shortfall of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), coupled with the delayed induction of the indigenous `Nag' missile, India will order a "large'' number of the quite-expensive Javelin ATGM systems from the US.

The deal for the man-portable, fire-and-forget Javelin ATGM systems will once again be a direct government-to-government one under the American foreign military sales (FMS) programme, without any global multi-vendor competition.

Much to the dismay of Russians and Europeans, India is increasingly taking the FMS route to ink big arms deals with US. The biggest on the verge of finalisation, of course, is for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III giant strategic airlift for upwards of $3 billion.

As for the Javelin contract, defence minister A K Antony told Parliament on Monday the "letter of request'' to US government for procurement of the third-generation ATGM, along with "transfer of technology'', would be issued soon.

This means India will buy some of the 2.5-km range Javelin systems off-the-shelf, while a much larger number will be indigenously manufactured under licensed production. The US has already showcased the ATGM system during bilateral combat exercises like `Yudh-Abhyas' in Babina last October, as reported earlier.

While the exact number of Javelin systems India will induct is yet to be decided, it could well run into thousands. The Army, after all, has a shortfall of around 44,000 ATGMs of different types. "Though Army has an authorised holding of 81,206 ATGMs, not even half that number is present in its inventory,'' said a source.

This when Pakistan is inducting a wide array of missiles, including 2,769 TOW-2A heavy anti-armour guided missiles from US. Mechanised as well as regular infantry units armed with advanced ATGM systems are deemed critical to slow down, if not halt, enemy armoured thrusts into one's territory.

Indian infantry units are as of now equipped with variants of the second-generation 2-km-range Milan and 4-km-range Konkurs ATGMs, produced by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Ltd under licence from French and Russian companies.

As for the third-generation Nag ATGM, with a 4-km strike range, Army has placed an initial order for 443 missiles and 13 Namicas (Nag missile tracked carriers). After 20 years of development, the Nag is only now getting ready to enter the production/induction phase.

The urgency about the fast-dwindling ATGM stock can be gauged from the fact that Army has ordered 4,100 "advanced'' Milan-2T missiles, with "tandem warheads'', as well as 15,000 Konkurs-M missiles over the last couple of years.

India to order large number of Javelin anti-tank missiles from US - India - The Times of India

 

[Donatello]

NEW DELHI: Faced with a huge shortfall of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), coupled with the delayed induction of the indigenous `Nag' missile, India will order a "large'' number of the quite-expensive Javelin ATGM systems from the US.

The deal for the man-portable, fire-and-forget Javelin ATGM systems will once again be a direct government-to-government one under the American foreign military sales (FMS) programme, without any global multi-vendor competition.

Much to the dismay of Russians and Europeans, India is increasingly taking the FMS route to ink big arms deals with US. The biggest on the verge of finalisation, of course, is for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III giant strategic airlift for upwards of $3 billion.

As for the Javelin contract, defence minister A K Antony told Parliament on Monday the "letter of request'' to US government for procurement of the third-generation ATGM, along with "transfer of technology'', would be issued soon.

This means India will buy some of the 2.5-km range Javelin systems off-the-shelf, while a much larger number will be indigenously manufactured under licensed production. The US has already showcased the ATGM system during bilateral combat exercises like `Yudh-Abhyas' in Babina last October, as reported earlier.

While the exact number of Javelin systems India will induct is yet to be decided, it could well run into thousands. The Army, after all, has a shortfall of around 44,000 ATGMs of different types. "Though Army has an authorised holding of 81,206 ATGMs, not even half that number is present in its inventory,'' said a source.

This when Pakistan is inducting a wide array of missiles, including 2,769 TOW-2A heavy anti-armour guided missiles from US. Mechanised as well as regular infantry units armed with advanced ATGM systems are deemed critical to slow down, if not halt, enemy armoured thrusts into one's territory.

Indian infantry units are as of now equipped with variants of the second-generation 2-km-range Milan and 4-km-range Konkurs ATGMs, produced by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Ltd under licence from French and Russian companies.

As for the third-generation Nag ATGM, with a 4-km strike range, Army has placed an initial order for 443 missiles and 13 Namicas (Nag missile tracked carriers). After 20 years of development, the Nag is only now getting ready to enter the production/induction phase.

The urgency about the fast-dwindling ATGM stock can be gauged from the fact that Army has ordered 4,100 "advanced'' Milan-2T missiles, with "tandem warheads'', as well as 15,000 Konkurs-M missiles over the last couple of years.

India to order large number of Javelin anti-tank missiles from US - India - The Times of India

Is it just me or the fact that everything from Arjun to Nag has been in development for the past 20 years???

 

[saurabh]

Is it just me or the fact that everything from Arjun to Nag has been in development for the past 20 years???

Javelin is man-portable, Nag is not. Hence the order. Otherwise both Nag and Arjun have been developed and ordered.

 

[Laughing Buddha]

TECHNICAL DATA
Javelin
Complete System
Alternative Designations Advanced Antitank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M)
Country of Origin USA
Date Of Introduction 1996
Crew 1-3
Weight 49.5 lb (22.5 kg)
M98A1 Command Launch Unit (CLU)
Weight 14.16 lb (6.42 kg) - With battery, carrying bag, and cleaning kit
Dimensions (LxWxH) 13.71 x 19.65 x 13.34 in (348.2 x 499.1 x 338.8 mm)
Daysight Magnification 4X
Daysight Field-of-view (FOV) 4.80° x 6.40°
Nightsight Wide Field-of-view (WFOV) Magnification 4.2X
Nightsight WFOV 4.58° x 6.11°
Nightsight Narrow Field-of-view (NFOV) Magnification 9.2X
Nightsight NFOV 2.00° x 3.00° (approximately)
Battery Type Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2) BA-5590/U, nonrechargeable
Battery Life 4.0 hrs below 120°F (49°C)
3.0 hrs between 50°F to 120°F (10°C to 49°C)
1.0 hrs between -20°F to 50°F (-49°C to 10°C)
0.5 hrs above 120°F (49°C)
Battery Weight 2.2 lbs (1.00 kg)
Unit Cost $126,000 (2002)
Round - Launch tube assembly (LTA) with missile and BCU
Weight 35.14 lb (15.97 kg)
Length 47.60 in (1,209 mm)
Diameter With End Caps 11.75 in (298.5 mm)
Inside Diameter 5.52 in (140.2 mm)
Minimum Range Top Attack: 164 yd (150 m)
Direct Attack: 71 yd (65 m)
Maximum Effective Range 2,187 yd (2,000 m)
Flight Time About 4.6 seconds at 1,000 meters
About 14.5 seconds at 2,000 meters
Guidance System Imaging infrared (I²R), fire and forget
Unit Cost $78,000 (2002)
Battery Coolant Unit (BCU)
Weight 2.91 lb (1.32 kg)
Dimensions (LxW) 8.16 x 4.63 in (207.3 x 117.6 mm)
Type Lithium, nonrechargeable
Life 4 min of BCU time
Coolant Gas Argon
----------------------------------
Javelin is the medium anti-tank system for infantry, scouts and combat engineers. These forces must have the capability to defeat armored forces during the day, at night, and during limited visibility conditions. The Javelin is operated by an individual soldier or in crews of two or three. The Javelin can be delivered by individual paratrooper, door bundle, tracked/wheeled vehicles, rail, ship, or air.

This system has a high kill rate against all known armor threats at extended ranges under day/night, adverse weather and multiple counter-measure conditions. The system's soft launch permits firing from a fighting position or an enclosure.

Javelin uses a modular design to allow the system to evolve to meet changing threats and requirements via both software and hardware upgrades. The system consists of a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) with a built-in-test (BIT), and a modular missile encased in a launch tube assembly (LTA). The system also includes training devices for tactical training, classroom training, and handling exercises.

Javelin's fire-and-forget technology allows the gunner to fire and immediately take cover, to move to another fighting position, or to reload. The Javelin provides enhanced lethality over the M47 Dragon through the use of a tandem warhead which will defeat all known armor threats. It is effective against both stationary and moving targets. The Javelin is capable of operating over 2.5 times the range of the M47 Dragon with a day/night integrated sight, capable of target acquisition in adverse weather and through battlefield obscurant conditions.

This system has a secondary mission of destroying bunkers and provides defensive capability against attacking/hovering helicopters. The CLU also has been used in a stand-alone mode for battlefield surveillance and target selection in recent conflicts.

The Javelin is a direct replacement for the M47 Dragon.

* Main Housing. The main housing (body) of the CLU contains the system's electronics, the display, daysight, and night vision sight.

* Absorbers. The absorbers around the main housing of the CLU help protect the equipment during operation. The absorbers are replaceable. One absorber is a face shield that protects the gunner's face during missile launch.

* Handgrips. The gunner uses the handgrips attached to the sides of the main housing to hold the CLU. The gunner uses the controls on the handgrips for all Javelin operations.

* Battery Compartment. Located on the bottom of the main housing, the battery compartment houses the nonrechargeable BA-5590/U or the rechargeable BB390A battery (for training use only). The same battery is used in the single-channel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS) and can be interchanged with the CLU. A connector on the battery compartment joins to a corresponding connector on the battery. A wire bail holds the detachable battery compartment cover in place.

* Daysight. The daysight works much like a telescope and consists of a lens, status indicators, and an eyepiece. The daysight:

o Provides the gunner a visible-light image with 4X magnification for target viewing and battlefield surveillance.
o Can be used with power off for surveillance only to save battery life.
o Is not affected by infrared clutter.


* Night Vision Sight. The NVS is the primary sight used by the gunner. The NVS is an imaging infrared (I²R) system, used during day or night. It allows the gunner to see during conditions of limited visibility including darkness, obscuration, smoke, fog, inclement weather, and IR clutter. The NVS operates by converting an infrared target image to a visible-light image for the gunner. The NVS consists of the NVS lens, detector Dewar cooler, CLU display and eyepiece provides the gunner with both a 4X (WFOV) and 9X (NFOV) magnification for scanning and target detection.

o Detector Dewar cooler (DDC) cools the NVS to the proper operating temperature and converts infrared energy to electrical signals. These signals are sent to the CLU display by way of the signal processor to provide the gunner a picture of the target area
o The CLU display is like a miniature television, which is used to make the wide field of view (WFOV), narrow field of view (NFOV), and seeker infrared images visible to the gunner. The cathode ray tube (CRT) converts electrical signals from the signal processor into visible images for the gunner.
o The CLU status indicators are fourteen icons that surround the CLU display. The icons identify operational modes, conditions, and malfunctions coded in green, amber, and red. The icons give the gunner continuous feedback about the current missile readiness or possible system malfunctions, visible during day and night usage.
o The eyepiece allows the gunner to see the CLU display. Through the eyepiece, the gunner sees the DAY FOV, WFOV, NFOV, seeker FOV, and the status indicators. The eyepiece consists of a lens assembly, eyecup, and diopter adjust ring. The gunner uses the diopter adjust ring to adjust the focus of the image.
o The test connector is used to perform direct support (DS) or higher-level maintenance and to interface with the FTT.
o The round interface connector provides the electrical connection between the CLU and the round.
o The humidity indicator displays the quality of the air inside the CLU (white or blue within acceptable levels; pink requires maintenance).

 

[Laughing Buddha]

Capabilities:

* The maximum effective range of the Javelin is 2,000 meters.

* The Javelin has a fire and forget capability. The missile imaging infrared (I²R) system gives the missile the ability to guide itself to the target when launched by the gunner.

* The Javelin has two missile flight paths:
o Top attack fight path is designed to impact on the top of the target.

o Direct attack flight path is designed to impact on the side (front, rear, flank) of the target.

* The Javelin gunner is capable of firing up to three missiles within 2 minutes.

* The dual-shaped charge warhead is capable of defeating any known enemy armor.

* The night vision sight (NVS) sees little degradation of the target image.

* Countermeasures used by the enemy is countered by the NVS filter.

* The Javelin is man-portable.

* The Javelin is maneuverable over short distances for the gunners.

* The fire and forget capability allows the gunner to shoot and move before missile impact.

* The soft launch capability of the Javelin allows it to be fired from inside buildings and bunkers.

* The passive infrared targeting system used to acquire lock-on cannot be detected.

* The launch motor produces a small signature. Because of the Javelin's low backblast, it can be fired from smaller, harder to locate, better protected positions that give the gunner a greater chance of remaining undetected or, if detected, surviving any suppressive fires.

* The fire and forget feature allows the gunner to take cover immediately after the missile is launched.

FM 3-22.37: Javelin, short-distance carry
Limitations:

* The CLU sight cannot discriminate targets past 2,000 meters.

* The NVS cool down time is from 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.

* The seeker's cool-down time is about 10 seconds.

* The BCU life, once activated, is about 4 minutes.

* During limited visibility (natural or man-made), rain, snow, sleet, fog, haze, smoke, dust, and night are collectively referred to as limited visibility conditions. The day FOV can be rendered useless during these conditions.

* Night:
o The day FOV relies on daylight to provide the gunner a suitable target image.

o The NVS uses the infrared naturally emitted from objects. Infrared crossover is the time at dawn and dusk that the terrain and the target are close enough in temperature to cause the target to blend in with its surroundings. If there is little difference in the amount of infrared energy between a target and its background, then neither the Javelin CLU nor the missile seeker can see the target well, thus greatly degrading the performance of the Javelin. This situation may last as long as an hour, until either the background or the target changes temperature enough to become detectable.

o Natural clutter is when the sun heats objects to a close enough temperature that it causes the target to blend in with the surrounding terrain.

o Artificial clutter occurs when there are man-made objects that emit large amounts of infrared (for example, burning vehicles).

o Heavy fog reduces the capability of the gunner to detect and engage targets.


* The flight path of the missile is restricted in wooded, mountainous, and urban terrain.

* The gunner must have line of sight for the seeker to lock onto a target.

* The weight of the Javelin makes maneuvering slow over long distances. When employing the Javelin in the dismounted role, the soldier's load becomes important. With a total system weight of just under 50 pounds, the Javelin is heavy. Although a man-portable weapon, one soldier cannot easily carry the Javelin cross-country for extended periods.

* The Javelin round is bulky and restricts movement in heavily wooded or vegetative terrain.

* The gunner must partially expose himself to engage the enemy.

* The CLU requires a line-of-sight to acquire targets.

FM 3-22.37: Javelin, long-distance carry
Urban Combat:

* The Javelin is primarily used to defeat main battle tanks and other armored combat vehicles. It has a moderate capability against bunkers, buildings, and other fortified targets commonly found during combat in built-up areas.

* The minimum engagement distance limits firing opportunities in the confines of densely built-up areas, and the Javelin may not be the weapon of choice in the urban environment where there are additional considerations including: fires (caused by both friendly and enemy) may cause target acquisition and lock-on problems; clutter on the battlefield may cause lock-on problems; and, line-of-sight communications may be limited by the structures.

* The Javelin's unique flight path forces the gunner to think in three dimensions. The urban environment has overhead obstacles such as street signs, light poles, and wires, which could impede the missile's flight path. In the top-attack mode, the Javelin missile requires up to 160-plus meters of overhead clearance. In the direct-attack mode, the Javelin requires up to 60-plus meters of overhead clearance.

* The Javelin missile has a minimum engagement distance (150 meters in the attack mode and 65 meters in the direct attack mode), which limits its use in built-up areas. Few areas in the inner city permit the gunner to fire much beyond the minimum arming distance. The gunner is usually limited to firing down streets, rail lines, parks, or plazas. The Javelin can effectively fire from upper level stories or roofs of buildings into other buildings.

* When a gunner comes across a target of opportunity, he may not be able to take advantage of it. The cool down time of the NVS is 2.5 to 3.5 minutes. Seeker cool down takes about 10 seconds. Once the BCU is activated, the gunner has a maximum of 4 minutes to engage the target before the BCU is spent. Vehicles crossing the street or moving between buildings (flank shot) are exposed for about 10 to 15 seconds, meaning the gunner may not have enough time to lock-on to the target and fire.

* The soft launch capability enables the gunner to fire from inside buildings because there is little overpressure or flying debris.

* The dual charge warhead penetrates typical urban targets. Penetration, however, does not mean a concurrent destruction of the structural integrity of a position. The direct attack mode is selected when engaging targets in a building. Enemy positions or bunkers in the open closer than 150 meters are engaged using the direct attack mode. Positions in the open farther than 150 meters are engaged using either the top or direct attack mode depending on the situation.

* The Javelin is not effective when breaching structural walls. The anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) are not designed to breach structural walls effectively. All ATGMs, to include the Javelin, are designed to produce a small hole, penetrate armor, and deliver the explosive charge. Breaching calls for the creation of a large hole. Firing ATGMs is the least efficient means to defeat structural walls. ATGMs are better used against armored vehicles or for the destruction of enemy-fortified fighting positions.

* The Javelin should be in the direct-fire mode when engaging helicopters. The rotors of the helicopter may interfere with the sensors of the missile in the top-attack mode and result in erratic flight of the missile and a target miss.

 

[atul0408]

How much they are Ordering???

 

[Dash]

How much they are Ordering???

Not yet decided, as per the report.

RFI is issued to buy some off the self and licence produce more here.
And this will go to many thousends, say a 10000 bare minimum.

 

[Dark Angel]

The order could be anywhere between $400-$600 million if as many as 8000+ are ordered

 

[Dash]

The order could be anywhere between $400-$600 million if as many as 8000+ are ordered

I dont think so. They are also talking about TOT, that means they will buy less and build more.

 

[COLDHEARTED AVIATOR]

This missle could have been the game changer in Kargil for destroying enemy bunkers...would have saved some lives

 

[Renegade]

There seems to be a lot of Hi Tech equipment coming our way. At this rate our conventional capability will register a quantum jump in a very short span of time.

This is great news.

 

[Dark Angel]

Is it just me or the fact that everything from Arjun to Nag has been in development for the past 20 years???

Yeah it is just you

 

[Indian-Devil]

This missle could have been the game changer in Kargil for destroying enemy bunkers...would have saved some lives

Not sure, If they could have been used in such terrains. If you see its disadvantages under below link and if these are true, then i donot think this is a good choice for Indian Army which operates in such different type of terrains where temperature varies from below zero degree to abovw 55 deg. cen.
And secondly its seems to be most expensive ATGM. Instead of FMS Indian Army or procurement guys should call for other manufacturers also for tendor. There we donot only have good price due to competition and have more choices also, which suit best for our requirements.

FGM-148 Javelin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[CardSharp]

I am a big fan of top attack anti-tank missile. The top of a tank is just sooo much more vulnerable than lateral armour.