The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M), is an American-made man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996, and continuously upgraded. It replaced the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in US service. Its fire-and-forget design features automatic infrared guidance, allowing the user to seek cover immediately after launch, in contrast to wire-guided systems, like the system used by the Dragon, which require a user to guide the weapon throughout the engagement. The Javelin's high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead can defeat modern tanks by top-down attack, hitting them from above, where their armor is thinnest, and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight.
An assembled FGM-148 Javelin launcher
The command launch unit. The larger lens is the night vision sight, and the smaller is the daysight
The CLU team after firing
Javelin fired from Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Javelin (CROWS-J) mounted on a Stryker, April 2022, Fort Carson
Man-portable anti-tank systems
Man-portable anti-tank systems are traditionally portable shoulder-launched projectile systems firing heavy shell-type projectiles, typically designed to combat protected targets, such as armoured vehicles, field fortifications and at times even low-flying aircraft.
Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr 13.2x92mm anti-tank rifle at the Musée de l'Armée in Paris.
RPG-7 rocket launcher with shaped charge rocket.
A recoilless rifle, such as this Carl Gustav recoilless rifle, produces a large backblast when fired
Baktar-Shikan Man portable Anti tank Guided Weapon
