The DSCA announced
that the Government of Thailand has requested to buy three hundred (300)
Javelin FGM-148 Missiles; and fifty (50) Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU).
Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers; missile
simulation rounds; Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Technical
Assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office
Technical Assistance; contractor lifecycle support; spares manuals;
batteries/chargers; gunner training; ammunition officer training; OCONUS
Modified Level 2 Maintenance Training; System Inspection and Check-Out (SICO);
and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total
estimated cost is $83.5 million.
The FGM-148 Javelin is
a U.S. man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile fielded to replace the
M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in service. It uses automatic infrared guidance
that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch instead of
wire-guided systems, like the Dragon, which requires the user to guide the
weapon throughout the engagement. The Javelin's HEAT warhead can defeat modern
tanks by hitting them from above. Their armour is thinnest and is also useful
against fortifications in a direct attack flight.