US to supply FGM-148 Javelin to Estonia

Approved by the US State Department, the sale of 350 Javelin guided missiles, along with 120 command launch units with integrated day / thermal sight, 102 battery coolant units, 16 enhanced performance basic skills trainers and 102 missile simulation rounds, for an estimated amount of $55M, is expected to improve Estonia's capability to address existing and future threats, and also provide greater security for its critical infrastructure.

Equipped with an automatic self-guidance system, the FGM-148 Javelin is a portable, shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missile, suitable for operations against existing and future threats from armoured combat vehicles, in all environments. Fired from the shoulder or from a vehicle-mounted lightweight multiple launcher, the missile can also engage helicopters in direct-attack mode in theatre, and is armed with a top attack-dual warhead capability that can defeat all known enemy armour systems.

APKWS-II Gets US Deal

UK defence giant BAE Systems has been chosen to further develop its 'anti-insurgent' missile system for the US military.

The Naval Air Systems Command said it intends to enter into sole source negotiations with the US subsidiary of the British firm to develop the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II).

The project expands integration into the arsenal used on aircraft, including the A-10 'Warthog'. The existing semi-active laser-guided APKWS system is designed as a cheaper alternative to the Hellfire missile, at around a third of the cost - $30,000 (£17,000).

The Hellfire has become renowned for use on Predator and Reaper drones and was originally designed to target armoured vehicles. The APKWS is designed to destroy lightly armoured and "soft" vehicles, moving or stationary, in urban locations. It can be armed with high explosives or flechettes - steel darts - in the warhead.

Earlier this year trials were carried out firing the missile from the A-10 and the new missiles hit within inches of their target. It is based on a 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket with guidance 'canard' lead fins, and the new version has improved laser control for accurate targeting. The original development plan for the precision weapon began in 2002 and the first version has been in full production for three years and used in war zones such as Afghanistan.

It has been fired from more than a dozen aircraft types and been sold to US allies including Jordan, for use on its airborne gunships. BAE Systems programme manager Joe Tiano told Sky News: "Our APKWS laser-guided rocket has a long history of success in theatre and in testing on multiple platforms including the A-10, and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities for integration on the A-10."

Paratroopers fire Javelin anti-tank missiles near Thetford

Troops from Colchester-based 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, fired four Javelin missiles, known for their accuracy and potency, at the Stanford Training Area (Stanta), near Thetford, on last Thursday 19th.

The firing was the culmination of a training course for the unit’s anti-tank platoon, which was the first to fire Javelin on operations in 2006 in Afghanistan. The missile is intended primarily to destroy tanks and light armoured vehicles, but also acts as an all-weather weapon against fixed defences, such as bunkers and buildings, and is operated and carried by a two-man crew.