FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiDefense Minister Pirro Vengu shared the news through a post on social media, but did not provide many details on how much such equipment Albania has purchased and how much it cost.
Albania has been equipped with the "Javelin" missile system manufactured in the US.
The news was announced by the Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, through a post on social networks, but he did not provide many details on how much such equipment Albania has purchased and how much it cost.
"The arrival of the Javelin systems, thanks to cooperation with our strategic ally the USA, strengthens the defense capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces, increases deterrence, interoperability with NATO and national security," writes Vengu.
Javelin missiles are produced by the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV. The Javelin missile system costs about $178,000 per unit along with a missile. While a single missile costs $78,000.
What is the “Javelin” system?
The Javelin is one of the most sophisticated weapons in the world, used to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. It shoots the target automatically after being fired, allowing the soldier to defend himself and avoid counterattacks.
Using an arched profile at the top, the Javelin hovers over its target for improved visibility and then strikes where the target is weakest. To fire, the shooter places a cursor over the selected target.
The command launch unit then sends a lock-on signal before launching the missile. The Javelin can safely fire from inside buildings or bunkers.
Javelin systems are known for their infrared guidance, their ability to attack from above (hitting the weakest part of tank armor), and their ability to be used day and night, providing the operator with a high level of survivability.
The system was developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin and consists of a Command and Launch Unit (CLU) for target identification and targeting, as well as the missile itself. This allows soldiers to fire and immediately take cover, without having to remain exposed after launch.
Albania ordered Javelin anti-tank missiles in 2022
Albania is one of several countries that has placed an order to purchase Javelin anti-tank missiles manufactured by the American consortium Javelin Joint Venture, which consists of Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp.
Lockheed Martin announced the news in a press release, reporting that the purchases by Albania, Norway, Latvia and Thailand are part of a $316 million order from the Pentagon.
The number of missiles and the value of the order from Albania are not disclosed.
The Javelin is a missile system that has been in service since 1989 and is expected to be in service until at least 2050, according to the company. It costs about $250,000 apiece but is capable of blowing up a tank that costs many times more.
The manufacturing company has received multiple requests from different countries around the world after the demonstrated success of this system in the Ukrainian war, where the Ukrainian army managed to defeat countless Russian tanks thanks to the efficiency of this system.
The company expects to increase production to around 2,100 units this year.
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