Vehicle Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM): TOW

The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is a long-range, precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used widely in more than 40 international armed forces and integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms worldwide. The missiles can be fired from the ground using a tripod-mounted launch tube or installed on vehicles like M2/M3 Bradley, LAV-AT, M1134 Stryker etc.

TOW 2B Aero Missile

An extended range TOW 2B variant was developed which was initially referred to as TOW-2B (ER), but is now called TOW-2B Aero which has a special nose cap that increases range to 4500 meters. A wireless version of the TOW-2B Aero has also been developed that uses stealth one way radio link, called TOW-2B Aero RF. RF links replace the legacy wire guided system with it becoming a command data link missile and improves the overall performance of the system. It is effective range is approximately 3.75km.

TOW Bunker Buster

The TOW Bunker Buster missile is a recent development in which its fragmented, high-explosive warhead can breach or destroy a multitude of targets, especially in the urban environment. The warhead's configuration enables it to breach 8 in (20.3 cm) thick, double-reinforced concrete walls and provides overmatch against earth and timber bunkers. Raytheon and ATK's Missile Products Group are working closely to develop a propulsion system that improves the performance of the TOW missile. The launch, boost, sustain propulsion system also incorporates a rocket motor designed with Insensitive Munitions features to provide added safety.

Combat Record

658,000 missiles have been delivered to 43 countries so far. It will remain on the inventory of the US Army through 2035. 11000 missiles have been fired in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Vehicle Launched ATGM: Javelin

Javelin missile

Javelin is a man-portable anti-tank weapon which is a joint venture of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Javelin is shoulder-fired and can also be installed on multiple surface platforms like tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles. The Javelin system consists of the command launch unit (CLU) and the missile in a launch tube. The CLU consists of a passive target acquisition and fire control unit which has a day sight and a thermal imaging sight. All the controls for the gunner are on the CLU. The missile is fire-and-forget with lock-on before launch. It has low recoil due to the soft launch and emits less smoke during firing. The range is 2,500m. The tandem warhead includes two shaped charges for superior armour penetration. The system is deployed and ready to fire in less than 30 seconds and the reload time is less than 20 seconds.

Combat Record

RF links replace the legacy wire guided system with it becoming a command data link missile which provides greater reliability, enhanced overwater performance and no power line restriction.

Indian Perspective

The Indian Army has also selected Javelin. It is also learnt that the Indian soldiers adapted to the system rapidly and carried out effective firing during joint exercises in the US.