BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai army has significantly modernized its anti-tank capabilities with the acquisition of the US-made FGM-148 Javelin missile system, capable of neutralizing any enemy tank. This procurement is a direct response to Cambodia’s deployment of new Chinese T59D tanks, which were immediately stationed along the border by Hun Manet.
Cambodia’s New Tanks at the Border
The recently delivered Chinese T59D tanks, equipped with 105-mm cannons, are now positioned near the border. Some units are located close to the Preah Vihear Temple in Oddar Meanchey province, with additional deployments suspected in Banteay Meanchey. Hun Manet ordered their immediate transfer to the front lines, a clear show of force that has prompted concern in Bangkok.
Fire and Forget: Launch, Cover, Survive
The Javelin operates on a straightforward, lethal principle: the gunner acquires the target, fires, and can immediately seek cover. The missile autonomously navigates to its target, eliminating the need for nerve-wracking guidance typical of older systems like the TOW. Firing a Javelin allows the operator to become a non-static target, dramatically increasing battlefield survivability.
The weapon’s signature capability is its top-attack mode. The missile ascends up to 150 meters before diving onto the tank’s turret, a vulnerability point with thinner armor. A secondary warhead further penetrates reactive armor, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness, as witnessed in conflicts in Ukraine.
Direct Attack on Bunkers and Buildings
In direct-attack mode, the Javelin travels at 140 meters per second, striking targets directly. At an altitude of just 50 meters, it can destroy bunkers, buildings, or low-flying helicopters. Its tandem warhead, containing 8.4 kilograms of explosives, is capable of penetrating over 762 millimeters of armor, exceeding the protection of any current tank.
Firing from a Window – Thanks to Soft-Launch
A small motor gently ejects the missile from the launch tube before the main propulsion ignites, accelerating it towards the target. This soft-launch technology minimizes recoil, smoke, and exhaust, allowing the operator to fire the weapon from confined spaces or within buildings without self-endangerment.
Training in Record Time
Familiarization training for the Javelin takes just 72 hours, a significant reduction compared to the up to ten days required for the older M47 Dragon system. This accelerated training means the Thai military can achieve rapid operational readiness with minimal troop downtime. The reloading process takes approximately one minute.
Made in USA – From Florida to Arizona
The Javelin is developed and manufactured by a joint venture between Lockheed Martin in Orlando and Raytheon in Tucson. Alongside the US Army and Marine Corps, approximately 20 other nations are users of the system. From the UK and Australia to Lithuania, Norway, and Ukraine, the shoulder-fired missile has become a global standard, and Thailand now officially joins this list.
Thailand’s Dual Anti-Tank Capability
The Javelin replaces the Thai army’s aging 106-mm recoilless rifles. Combined with the Israeli Spike MR, Thailand now possesses a modern, fully operational anti-tank duo. The certified range of the Javelin is 2,500 meters, though it is effective up to an estimated 4,000 meters, representing a substantial leap in defensive capabilities.
The Command Launch Unit (CLU) weighs only 6.4 kilograms and features a passive infrared guidance system. It includes a four-times magnification day sight and a nine-times magnification night sight. The CLU can also be used independently for target acquisition or integrated with stationary surveillance systems, acting as a vigilant, unblinking eye.