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According to Levan Izoria, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, United States have approved the deal of selling FGM-148 “Javelin” anti-tank missiles to Georgian Armed Forces. The total sum of the contract will be $75 Million. The subject of the contract is 72 launchers (Command Launch Units) and 410 Javelin missiles. In his speech, Levan Isoria added that Georgia needs these systems solely for defensive purposes.
US Secretary of Defense General James Mattis with Levan Isoria, Minister of Defense of Georgia. Image from mod.gov.ge
Recently, there was also news appearing in various sources and stating that the USA will also supply Ukraine with the same missile systems. Unfortunately, there are no details available on the Ukrainian contract yet.
US Secretary of Defense General James Mattis with Stepan Poltorak, Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Image from mil.gov.ua
Georgia and Ukraine have been using Russian weapon systems because they are former Soviet countries and have inherited Soviet/Russian arsenals of weapons. However, driven by their western/NATO orientation and will of integration, as well as by the known tensions with Russia, both countries slowly but steadily replace their weapon systems and calibers gradually transitioning to those used by NATO countries. Considering the current situation of Georgia and Ukraine, this is actually a wise move. You can’t rely on weapons that are only/mostly made in a country which is not your ally anymore.
FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable fire-and-forget type guided missile system developed and manufactured in the United States. It is known for its distinctive ability to hit the target from above. Shortly after the launch, the missile quickly gains altitude after which it hits the target from above. That is a really effective method of engaging tanks and armored vehicles because the top of those vehicles is normally less protected and most vulnerable.
You can watch how the Javelin missiles work in the videos below.
