TOW-2A Anti-Armor Guided Missiles sale

[TomCat111]

Pakistan – TOW-2A Anti-Armor Guided Missiles

WASHINGTON, December 07, 2006 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan of TOW 2A Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $185 million.

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 2,769 Radio Frequency (RF) TOW 2A Missiles, 7 RF TOW 2A Fly-to-buy Missiles, 415 RF Bunker Buster Missiles, 7 RF Fly-to-buy Bunker Buster Missiles, upgrade of 121 TOW Basic/TOW-I launchers to fire TOW II configuration for wire-guided and wireless missiles, TOW Data Acquisition Systems, gunner aiming sight, testers, cameras, spare and repair parts, technical support, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $185 million.

 

[solid snake]

Does Pakistan currently posses any bunker busters? and aren't we capable of making these ourselves? If not then are we doing anything to ensure we are capable of making these high tech bombs in the near future? Also, does India have bombs of similar specs?

 

[blain2]

Does Pakistan currently posses any bunker busters? and aren't we capable of making these ourselves? If not then are we doing anything to ensure we are capable of making these high tech bombs in the near future? Also, does India have bombs of similar specs?

We have Baktar Shikan but the warheads are probably not optimised for use against concrete surfaces.

Indian's have Russian ATGMs in the same class as the TOW. They also have been working on their "top-attack" NAG ATGM, but not sure if it will go operational in the near future.

 

[Owais]

We have Baktar Shikan but the warheads are probably not optimised for use against concrete surfaces.

Indian's have Russian ATGMs in the same class as the TOW. They also have been working on their "top-attack" NAG ATGM, but not sure if it will go operational in the near future.

what about H-2 and H-4 out-of-sight target bombs? Aren't they bunker busters?

 

[blain2]

what about H-2 and H-4 out-of-sight target bombs? Aren't they bunker busters?

Do you think that Pakistan would expend a $2-300,000 munition to take out a bunker?

H2/H4 (Raptor I/II) are standoff weapons used against a range of targets like C3I nodes, hardened targets etc. etc. Not something that is applicable for targets like Tanks and small infantry bunkers to be exact.

Lets not mix things. TOW is an ATGM...which can be employed against enemy bunkers (not the same thing as using munitions against HAS and underground bunkers) but is primarily for anti-tank roles. TOWs have been used in Siachen against Indian positions and do some serious damage but are better suited for AT hunter-killer teams.

For bunker busting specifically, PAF has gone for BLU-109s which are specifically made for use against hard-to-penetrate targets.

 

[Keysersoze]

A lot of the Missiles (such as TOW and MILAN and JAVELIN) fired in anger have actually been used against hardened positions rather than against tanks hence the "bunker buster" variants that are now available.

The documentary I posted in Afghan updates shows this (UK marines using missiles against buildings).Also Milan was used against Argentine positions in the Falklands. Plus the various combat footage from Iraq

Since they are "pinpoint" rather than area effect they have less chance of destroying entire areas.