Intro
Uncover the costs behind the FGM-148 Javelin Missile System, a portable, fire-and-forget, anti-tank missile. Learn about the procurement, production, and operational expenses, as well as the systems development, deployment, and maintenance costs. Discover the factors influencing the total cost of ownership, including missile price, launcher cost, and training expenses.
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system is a highly advanced, portable, fire-and-forget missile system used by the United States military and several allied nations. Developed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies, the Javelin missile system has proven to be an effective and reliable anti-tank and anti-personnel weapon. However, the cost of acquiring and operating the Javelin missile system is a critical consideration for military planners and procurement officials. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive cost breakdown of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system.
Introduction to the FGM-148 Javelin Missile System
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system is a lightweight, man-portable missile system designed to engage and destroy armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel. The system consists of a Command Launch Unit (CLU) and a missile round. The CLU is equipped with a thermal imaging sight, a day sight, and a missile guidance system. The missile round is a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that can penetrate armor up to 750 mm thick.
Cost Breakdown of the FGM-148 Javelin Missile System
Procurement Costs
The procurement cost of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system is a significant expense for military forces. The cost of a single Javelin missile round is approximately $175,000, while the CLU costs around $125,000. The total cost of a single Javelin missile system, including the CLU and a missile round, is approximately $300,000.
Breakdown of Procurement Costs
- Missile round: $175,000
- Command Launch Unit (CLU): $125,000
- Total cost per system: $300,000
Operating and Maintenance Costs
In addition to procurement costs, military forces must also consider the operating and maintenance costs of the Javelin missile system. These costs include the expense of training personnel to operate and maintain the system, as well as the cost of spare parts and repair services.
Training Costs
The cost of training personnel to operate and maintain the Javelin missile system is a significant expense. The training program for Javelin operators and maintainers includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training with the system. The cost of training a single soldier to operate the Javelin missile system is approximately $10,000.
Breakdown of Training Costs
- Classroom instruction: $5,000
- Hands-on training: $5,000
- Total cost per soldier: $10,000
Spare Parts and Repair Services
The cost of spare parts and repair services for the Javelin missile system is another significant expense. The system requires regular maintenance to ensure that it remains operational, and spare parts must be purchased to replace worn or damaged components. The cost of spare parts and repair services for the Javelin missile system is approximately $50,000 per year.
Sustainability Costs
The sustainability cost of the Javelin missile system includes the expense of upgrading and modernizing the system to ensure that it remains effective against evolving threats. The cost of upgrading the Javelin missile system is approximately $100,000 per year.
Breakdown of Sustainability Costs
- Software upgrades: $50,000
- Hardware upgrades: $50,000
- Total cost per year: $100,000
Total Cost of Ownership
The total cost of ownership of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system includes the procurement cost, operating and maintenance costs, and sustainability costs. The total cost of ownership of the Javelin missile system is approximately $500,000 per year.
Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown
- Procurement cost: $300,000
- Operating and maintenance costs: $150,000
- Sustainability costs: $100,000
- Total cost of ownership: $550,000
Gallery of Javelin Missile System Images
Javelin Missile System Image Gallery
Conclusion
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system is a highly advanced and effective anti-tank and anti-personnel weapon. However, the cost of acquiring and operating the system is a significant expense for military forces. The total cost of ownership of the Javelin missile system includes the procurement cost, operating and maintenance costs, and sustainability costs. Military planners and procurement officials must carefully consider these costs when deciding whether to procure the Javelin missile system.
FAQs
Q: What is the cost of a single Javelin missile round? A: The cost of a single Javelin missile round is approximately $175,000.
Q: What is the cost of the Command Launch Unit (CLU)? A: The cost of the CLU is approximately $125,000.
Q: What is the total cost of a single Javelin missile system? A: The total cost of a single Javelin missile system, including the CLU and a missile round, is approximately $300,000.
Q: What is the cost of training a single soldier to operate the Javelin missile system? A: The cost of training a single soldier to operate the Javelin missile system is approximately $10,000.
Q: What is the cost of spare parts and repair services for the Javelin missile system? A: The cost of spare parts and repair services for the Javelin missile system is approximately $50,000 per year.
Q: What is the sustainability cost of the Javelin missile system? A: The sustainability cost of the Javelin missile system is approximately $100,000 per year.
Q: What is the total cost of ownership of the Javelin missile system? A: The total cost of ownership of the Javelin missile system is approximately $500,000 per year.