The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) has received the next batch of Javelin anti-tank missiles from the USA on 11 December, said in a press release on the official website of EDF.
The batch of Javelin Block-1 type American man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles that arrived in Estonia on Monday are faster and more powerful than their predecessors, the Block-0 type missiles previously sent to Estonia, according to an EDF press release.
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“Compared to first-generation missiles, Block-1 type missiles have a more advanced motor,” said Maj. Risto Pärtel. “The missile’s software has also been developed and the warhead’s capacity increased, which ensures faster speeds and increased destructiveness of the missile.”
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The Block 1 missile upgrade includes an improved rocket motor that reduces time of flight, an enhanced warhead effective against a greater range of targets, 2,500m of improved probability of hit / kills and improvements to the command launch unit and software. In 2008, the improved Block 1 missile full material release was received and the US army has stockpiled the first production lots.
The Javelin is a portable anti-tank weapon, supplied by the Raytheon / Lockheed Martin Javelin joint venture. It is shoulder-fired but can also be installed on tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles.