Javelin surface-to-air missile

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A triple Javelin missile launcher

Javelin is a British man-portable surface-to-air missile, formerly used by the British Army and Canadian Army. It can be fired from the shoulder, or from a dedicated launcher known as Javelin LML—Lightweight Multiple Launcher. Capable of being vehicle mounted, the LML carries three rounds. One of these triple launchers is shown in the attached image.

The missile was developed as a replacement for the Blowpipe missile, which had proven largely ineffective in the Falklands war (nine hits recorded out of more than 100 missile launches) and in mujahideen hands during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Similar in overall appearance to the Blowpipe, Javelin is slightly more compact and is fitted with a more advanced seeker head and improved warhead. The operator is equipped with a 6x magnification sight and a long range TV camera to locate targets. Although Javelin is somewhat susceptible to smoke, fog or clouds, it is claimed to be virtually impossible to decoy it away from a target with flares.

It was replaced in front line British service by the Starburst surface-to-air missile in 1993, and later by the Starstreak starting around 1997. The Canadian Forces have retired it without replacement.

Javelin should not be confused with the American Javelin anti-tank missile.