In modern warfare, tanks remain some of the most formidable battlefield assets. However, as tanks evolve, so too do the weapons designed to neutralize them. Anti-tank weapons have become increasingly sophisticated, with some systems capable of delivering high-speed, highly accurate strikes to incapacitate even the most heavily armored tanks. Among these weapons, fast missile launchers stand out for their incredible speed, precision, and effectiveness. These anti-tank missile systems are a testament to the rapid advancements in military technology, allowing smaller, more mobile forces to take on powerful armored units.
The Importance of Anti-Tank Weapons
Anti-tank weapons are crucial for modern military operations, especially in asymmetrical warfare or situations where lighter forces must counter heavily armored enemy tanks. A well-placed shot from an advanced anti-tank missile can destroy even the most advanced tanks, rendering them useless in battle.
The effectiveness of these weapons hinges on three key factors:
-
Speed β A faster missile has less time to be intercepted by countermeasures, increasing its chances of hitting the target.
-
Precision β Anti-tank missiles are often guided, allowing them to home in on weak points in the target’s armor, such as the turret ring or engine compartment.
-
Warhead Power β The type of explosive warhead used in the missile plays a significant role in determining the extent of the damage it can cause. High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads, tandem charges, and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) are designed to pierce heavy armor.
Fastest Anti-Tank Missile Launchers
Several missile systems have been developed to launch anti-tank projectiles at high speeds, giving them an edge in terms of quick and decisive engagement. Here are some of the fastest and most effective missile launchers in the world today:
1. Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) Missile System
The Spike NLOS is a long-range, fast anti-tank missile system developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missile itself can travel at speeds of 1,000 meters per second (about 3,280 feet per second) and has a range of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). This makes the Spike NLOS one of the fastest and most effective anti-tank missile systems, capable of engaging targets from beyond the line of sight.
Equipped with a highly accurate guidance system, the Spike NLOS can be launched from both ground-based platforms and helicopters. It is particularly effective in urban warfare and close-quarters combat, where line-of-sight targeting may not be possible. The missile’s speed and range, combined with its precision, make it one of the most advanced anti-tank systems available today.
2. Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
The FIM-92 Javelin, produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is an iconic shoulder-fired missile launcher that has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness against modern tanks. The missile itself is fast, reaching speeds of around 1,000 meters per second.
What makes the Javelin truly remarkable is its fire-and-forget capability, which means that once launched, it doesnβt require further input from the operator. The missile uses infrared guidance to lock onto the target and can strike from above, hitting the tank’s weaker top armor. The top-attack mode increases the likelihood of penetrating the tank’s defenses. Javelins are compact, highly portable, and can be fired from virtually any position, making them highly effective in both open combat and guerrilla warfare situations.
3. Hellfire Missiles
Originally designed for use by helicopters, the AGM-114 Hellfire missile system is a highly effective anti-tank weapon that has also been adapted for use with drones and ground-based platforms. The missile reaches speeds of 1,000 to 1,300 meters per second, making it one of the fastest anti-tank systems in service today.
The Hellfire missile is known for its precision targeting and range, with the ability to engage targets at distances of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles). It uses a laser-guided system for accurate tracking and can carry a variety of warheads, including the HEAT warhead, which is optimized for tank destruction.
4. Kornet-E
The Kornet-E is a Russian-made anti-tank guided missile system that has proven highly effective on the battlefield. It is fast, with speeds of up to 1,000 meters per second, and has an effective range of 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles). The Kornet-E uses a laser-guided system and is designed to defeat the most advanced armored vehicles, including main battle tanks (MBTs) and armored personnel carriers (APCs).
The Kornet-E missile features a dual-warhead configuration, with a tandem charge designed to defeat reactive armor. It has been widely used by various nations and is known for its ability to penetrate even the toughest armor.
5. NLAW (Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon)
Developed by the UK’s MBDA and Saab, the NLAW is a short-range, fast anti-tank missile system. It is designed for use by infantry and is capable of targeting tanks at distances of up to 800 meters. The NLAW missile travels at speeds of around 300 meters per second and features a top-attack mode, which targets the vulnerable top armor of enemy tanks.
NLAW’s lightweight design, ease of use, and high-speed trajectory make it ideal for close-range combat situations. It is also popular for its precision and the ability to defeat advanced armored vehicles in urban and open terrain.
The Future of Anti-Tank Weapons
As technology continues to evolve, the development of faster, more accurate, and more effective anti-tank missile systems is set to continue. Future systems may incorporate hypersonic speeds, making it nearly impossible for defensive measures to counteract them. As armored vehicles continue to advance with reactive armor and active protection systems, the arms race between anti-tank weapons and tanks will likely push both sides to develop even more advanced solutions.
Anti-tank weapons are a crucial element in modern warfare, and the speed at which they can disable or destroy enemy armor will only become more critical in the battles of tomorrow. As these technologies develop, military forces will be better equipped to neutralize the most powerful armored threats on the battlefield.
