In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, anti-tank missiles have emerged as a formidable force to be reckoned with. These precision-guided munitions have become the bane of heavily armored vehicles, capable of penetrating even the most advanced protective systems. From the cutting-edge technology of the AGM-114R HELLFIRE II to the long-range prowess of the Spike-MR/LR/ER, the world’s deadliest anti-tank missiles have redefined the dynamics of ground combat.
Delving into the intricate details of these Top Anti Tank Missiles in the World , we’ll embark on a captivating journey to uncover the remarkable capabilities that make them the go-to choice for militaries around the globe. Prepare to be awed by the sheer destructive power and technological sophistication that define the world’s deadliest anti-tank missiles.
1. AGM-114R HELLFIRE II
At the forefront of the anti-tank missile arsenal stands the AGM-114R HELLFIRE II, the latest iteration of the iconic HELLFIRE family developed by Lockheed Martin. This multi-purpose missile boasts a length of 163cm, a diameter of 17.8cm, and a weight of 49.4kg, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of both airborne and ground-based platforms.
The HELLFIRE II Romeo variant is equipped with a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, enabling it to engage a diverse array of targets with unparalleled precision. Its lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) or lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capabilities ensure that it can defeat a wide range of adversaries, from armored vehicles to fortified structures. Capable of being launched from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, ground-based tripods, vehicles, and even boats, the HELLFIRE II’s versatility is a testament to its adaptability in various combat scenarios.
Complementing its impressive targeting abilities, the HELLFIRE II is armed with a multi-purpose warhead that can unleash devastating effects within a maximum range of 8km. This lethal combination of precision and firepower makes the HELLFIRE II a formidable anti-tank weapon in the modern battlefield.
10 Brave Soldiers Of Indian Army
2. Spike-MR/LR/ER
Hailing from the renowned EuroSpike consortium, the Spike family of anti-tank/multi-purpose missiles offers a comprehensive range of solutions to address the evolving threats in the modern battlespace. This fourth-generation missile system includes three distinct variants: the Spike-MR (medium range), Spike-LR (long range), and Spike-ER (extended range).
The Spike-MR is a man-portable, fire-and-forget missile that can be launched by infantry and special forces to engage targets within a 200m to 2,500m range. Its electro-optical seeker and tandem-charge high-explosive, anti-tank (HEAT) warhead ensure accurate and devastating strikes against a variety of targets, including main battle tanks.
The Spike-LR, on the other hand, is designed for launch from ground-based tripods and light combat vehicles, extending the engagement envelope to a range of 200m to 4,000m. Boasting the same precision-guided capabilities as its shorter-range counterpart, the Spike-LR is a formidable anti-tank weapon in the hands of mechanized and armored units.
At the pinnacle of the Spike family is the Spike-ER, engineered for launch from land vehicles, helicopters, and naval platforms. With a maximum range of 8km, this long-range variant can effectively neutralize heavily armored targets, including main battle tanks, from a safe distance.
3. Javelin Missile
Developed by the joint venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin anti-tank guided missile has earned a reputation as the world’s best shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon. Currently in service with the US Forces and 12 other nations, the Javelin has been combat-tested in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating its lethal effectiveness against a wide range of targets.
Weighing in at 11.8kg, the Javelin missile employs a long-wave infrared (LWIR) seeker to guide itself towards its intended target. This advanced guidance system, coupled with its tandem shaped-charge warhead, enables the Javelin to engage and destroy tanks, bunkers, buildings, small vessels, and even low-speed helicopters with a high probability of success.
The Javelin’s versatility extends beyond its shoulder-fired configuration, as it can also be launched from tripods, light armored vehicles, trucks, and remotely piloted vehicles. With a maximum range of 2,500m, the Javelin is a formidable anti-tank weapon that can be effectively deployed in a variety of tactical scenarios.
4. HJ-12 (Red Arrow 12)
Emerging from the Chinese defense industry, the HJ-12 or Red Arrow 12 is a third-generation anti-tank missile developed by the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). Unveiled during the 2014 China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, this fire-and-forget missile has quickly gained attention for its impressive capabilities.
Weighing in at 17kg, the HJ-12 can be carried and fired by a single soldier using a launch unit mounted on a tripod. Equipped with a tandem HEAT warhead, the missile is capable of penetrating up to 1,100mm of armor, including that protected by explosive reactive armor (ERA). This formidable penetration power makes the HJ-12 a potent threat against a wide range of armored targets, from main battle tanks to fortified structures.
The Red Arrow 12 utilizes an infrared (IR) imaging seeker for all-weather, day and night operations, while a television (TV) imaging seeker is available for daytime missions. The TV variant offers a maximum range of 4,000m, while the IR version can engage targets up to 2,000m away, demonstrating the missile’s versatility in diverse combat environments.
5. BGM-71 TOW
The tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missile system, produced by Raytheon Missile Systems, has long been considered one of the world’s best anti-tank and precision-assault weapon systems. Deployed by more than 40 international military forces and installed on over 15,000 ground-based and helicopter platforms, the TOW’s versatility and lethality have made it a staple in the arsenals of many nations.
The latest iterations of the TOW missile, including the TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW 2B Aero, and TOW Bunker Buster, have further enhanced the system’s capabilities. These advanced missiles can be equipped with tandem or explosively formed penetrator (EFP) warheads, allowing them to effectively engage a wide range of targets, from heavily armored vehicles to fortified positions.
The TOW’s flexibility extends to its guidance system, with the latest versions employing a radio command link instead of the traditional wire guidance. This innovation enhances the missile’s operational range, which can reach up to 4.5km when launched from land-based tripods, vehicles, or helicopters.
6. UMTAS
Developed by the Turkish defense firm Roketsan, the UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi) is a long-range anti-tank missile system designed primarily for launch by the T129 ATAK and AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters. However, the UMTAS’s versatility allows it to be integrated into a wide range of platforms, including unmanned aircraft, light armored vehicles, land-based fixed installations, close-air support aircraft, and naval platforms.
Each UMTAS missile weighs 37.5kg and can be mounted on helicopters using a quad launcher, allowing for the simultaneous engagement of multiple targets. The missile is available with either an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker or a laser seeker, providing the user with flexible targeting options. Boasting lock-on-before/after-launch capabilities, the UMTAS is a true fire-and-forget weapon system.
The UMTAS’s tandem HEAT warhead is designed to defeat all types of heavily armored vehicles, even those hidden behind cover. With a maximum range of 8,000m, this long-range anti-tank missile can engage targets from a safe distance, enhancing the survivability of the launch platform.
7. PARS 3 LR
The PARS 3 LR (third-generation missile / long-range), also known as TRIGAT LR, is a helicopter-launched fire-and-forget missile manufactured by PARSYS, a joint venture between MBDA and Diehl BGT Defence. Intended to destroy a wide range of targets, including tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters, bunkers, and command posts, the PARS 3 LR is the primary weapon of the German Army’s Tiger attack helicopters.
Measuring 1.6m in length and weighing 49kg, the PARS 3 LR missile can be fired in rapid succession, with the weapon system allowing for a salvo of up to four missiles in less than ten seconds. This impressive rate of fire, coupled with the missile’s jamming-resistant infrared seeker, ensures the effective engagement of various targets in both direct and top-attack modes.
Equipped with a tandem shaped-charge warhead, the PARS 3 LR can engage targets within a range of 7km, making it a formidable anti-tank weapon in the hands of attack helicopter crews.
10 Powerful Air Forces In The World 2024
8. Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP)
Developed by MBDA for the French Army, the Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP) is a new generation medium-range anti-tank missile system that will replace the MILAN anti-tank missile after entering service in 2017. Weighing 15kg and measuring 1.3m in length and 140mm in diameter, the MMP missile can be fired from portable firing posts, vehicles, and army aviation platforms.
The MMP’s versatility extends to its guidance modes, which include fire-and-forget, man-over-the-loop, and lock-on after launch. This dual-mode seeker, comprising an uncooled infrared channel and a visible channel, ensures the missile can engage targets within a 4km range with a high degree of accuracy.
With the ability to be launched from a variety of platforms, the MMP represents a significant advancement in the French Army’s anti-tank capabilities, providing a formidable deterrent against modern armored threats.
9. Kornet-EM Anti-Tank Missile
The Kornet-EM, manufactured by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, is a multi-purpose anti-tank guided weapon system designed to engage a wide range of targets, including main battle tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA), light armored vehicles, fortifications, and even low-speed air targets.
The Kornet-EM system can be mounted on either a portable launcher or a carrier-based automatic launcher, offering users flexibility in deployment. The system employs three types of missiles: the 9M133M-2, 9M133FM-2, and 9M133FM-3, each with its own specialized capabilities.
The 9M133M-2 anti-tank guided missile is fitted with a tandem HEAT warhead, capable of penetrating 1,100mm to 1,300mm of armor. The 9M133FM-2 guided missile, on the other hand, carries a highly explosive warhead with a blast force equivalent to 10kg of TNT, while the 9M133FM-3 includes a warhead with an explosive force of 7kg TNT equivalent.
Utilizing automatic, laser beam guidance, the Kornet-EM system can effectively engage targets at a range of up to 10km, making it a formidable anti-tank weapon in the modern battlefield.
10. LAHAT – Laser Homing Attack Missile
The Laser Homing Attack Missile (LAHAT), produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a lightweight anti-tank guided missile that has been developed for use on Merkava tanks and can be fired from a variety of platforms, including vehicles, helicopters, vessels, and remote installations.
Measuring just 975mm in length and 104.5mm in diameter, the LAHAT is a remarkably compact missile that weighs 12.5kg. Relying on semi-active laser (SAL) guidance, the LAHAT can engage stationary and moving targets with pinpoint accuracy at ranges up to 8km, regardless of whether the targets are designated using a direct or indirect system.
The LAHAT’s high-performance armour-piercing warhead ensures that it can penetrate even the most advanced reactive armor, making it a formidable anti-tank weapon in the modern battlefield. Its small size and precise targeting capabilities make the LAHAT a versatile and lethal addition to the arsenal of militaries around the world.
11. MILAN ER
Derived from the renowned MILAN family of missiles, the MILAN ER from MBDA is a new generation anti-tank light infantry missile that offers an extended range of 3km, a significant improvement over the 2km range of the previous MILAN variants.
The MILAN ER missile, fired from a digital firing post, utilizes the semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system to engage and defeat its targets. Each missile weighs 13kg, while the advanced Technology (ADT) fully digitized day/night firing post weighs 21kg, ensuring portability and ease of use.
Equipped with a tandem charge warhead, the MILAN ER is designed to neutralize the latest generation of explosive reactive armor used by some main battle tanks, further enhancing its effectiveness against heavily armored vehicles.
12. NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon)
Developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics, the Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) is a unique anti-tank missile system that can be operated by individual soldiers, making it the first non-expert short-range anti-tank missile system of its kind.
Weighing just 12.5kg, the NLAW missile launch unit is highly portable, enabling one-man operation even in confined spaces. The weapon system employs a predicted line-of-sight (PLOS) guidance approach, allowing the missile to engage targets in either overfly top attack (OTA) mode for tanks and other armored vehicles or direct attack (DA) mode for non-armored targets.
The NLAW’s single-shot shaped charge warhead is designed to defeat modern main battle tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA). Additionally, the missile is compatible with night-vision goggles and clip-on night-vision devices, expanding its operational capabilities in low-light conditions.
With a combat range of 20m to 600m, the NLAW represents a significant advancement in the field of shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons, empowering individual soldiers with the ability to effectively neutralize even the most heavily armored adversaries.
10 Powerful Countries In The World 2024
Conclusion
The world’s deadliest anti-tank missiles, as showcased in this comprehensive overview, represent the pinnacle of modern military technology. From the precision-guided lethality of the HELLFIRE II to the long-range prowess of the Spike-MR/LR/ER, these armaments have redefined the dynamics of ground combat, posing a formidable threat to even the most heavily armored vehicles and fortified positions.
As warfare continues to evolve, the development of these anti-tank missiles has kept pace, with each new generation offering enhanced capabilities, increased range, and improved targeting accuracy. The integration of advanced guidance systems, tandem-charge warheads, and fire-and-forget functionality has transformed these weapons into true force multipliers, empowering militaries around the globe to neutralize their adversaries with devastating efficiency.
The future of anti-tank missile technology promises even more remarkable advancements, as defense industries strive to stay ahead of the curve and provide their armed forces with the tools necessary to dominate the modern battlefield. As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the world’s deadliest anti-tank missiles will continue to shape the course of military engagements, redefining the very nature of ground warfare.
FAQs
Q1. What are anti-tank missiles?
Anti-tank missiles are guided weapons designed to destroy or disable armored vehicles, including tanks. They are equipped with warheads capable of penetrating heavy armor.
Q2. Which countries produce top anti-tank missiles?
Countries such as the United States, Russia, Israel, France, and India are known for producing some of the top anti-tank missiles in the world.
Q3. What are some advantages of modern anti-tank missiles?
Modern anti-tank missiles offer several advantages, including high precision, long range, the ability to defeat advanced armor systems, and flexibility in deployment from various platforms (infantry, vehicles, helicopters, etc.). They are crucial in modern warfare for neutralizing armored threats.
Q4. How do anti-tank missiles contribute to modern warfare?
Anti-tank missiles are essential in modern warfare as they provide infantry and light vehicles with the capability to engage and destroy heavily armored tanks and vehicles. Their effectiveness can significantly impact the outcome of ground battles by neutralizing key enemy assets.
