Javelin will equip Light Forces, Mechanised and Armoured Infantry, and Formation Reconnaissance units. The UK version of the US Javelin ATGW system, is a more sophisticated guided weapon with a range of some 2,500 m.

A production contract was signed in early 2003 worth over £300 million. Industry sources suggest that up to 5,000 missiles and 300 firing posts have been ordered. First deliveries to the UK have been made and the system has replaced Milan. In UK service Javelin has a number of modifications which include an enhanced Command Launch Unit (CLU) with a wider field of view, and the ability to recognise targets at longer ranges.

Although Javelin has been developed mainly to engage armoured fighting vehicles, the system can also be used to neutralise bunkers, buildings, and low-flying helicopters. Javelin’s top-attack tandem warhead is claimed to defeat all known armour systems.

The US Army and Marine Corps have been using Javelin for some years and the system is either in service, or has been selected by Australia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Over 7,000 Javelin launchers have been manufactured since 1995. Javelin is planned to be in UK service until 2025.