The guidance package calculates both the distance to the target and the target’s speed (if its mobile), and guides itself to the predicted location. NLAW missiles use “predictive line of sight” technology. In the case of a Javelin this is achieved using infrared technology, wherein the missile locks onto any heat signature present in the tanks. The projectile locks-on to the target and guides itself once fired. These modern missiles are fully guided “fire-and-forget” weapons, which means a soldier can immediately hide or relocate after firing. They are also extremely difficult to detect, due to their size and mobility. They are relatively lightweight (between 10-25kg depending on the model), can be used by a single soldier and require (relatively) minimal training to handle. Perhaps the greatest advantage of anti-tank missiles is their range and ease of use. This makes them a highly flexible and dangerous weapon for opposing forces. The missiles can also be used in “direct fire” mode against less well-armoured vehicles, such as armoured personnel carriers, buildings or even low-flying helicopters – with devastating results. This will either completely destroy the tank, or incapacitate the crew inside. The NLAW and Javelin missiles are designed to hit a tank from above in a “top attack” – striking at the top of the tank’s turret where the armour is thinnest. However, explosive reactive armour actually isn’t much of an advantage against the modern anti-tank missiles being used by Ukrainian fighters. It’s difficult to estimate the full number and range of battle tanks Russia has deployed, but reports suggest the amount lost has been in the hundreds.

Destroyed tank modern