What is the FGM 148?

• A. Stinger missile
• B. Paveway missile
• C. Javelin missile
• D. Hellfire missile

Answer: (C)

The FGM-148 is the Javelin anti-tank missile. It’s a man-portable, fire-and-forget guided missile designed to defeat armored vehicles. It uses an infrared imaging seeker to lock onto the target, so the operator can move to cover right after launch without keeping the target in sight. It typically flies in a top-attack profile, striking the vehicle from above where armor is thinner. It uses a two-stage solid rocket motor with a soft launch to minimize recoil and reveal the weapon before its full thrust kicks in. This combination of portability, autonomous guidance, and top-attack capability sets it apart from the other missiles listed, which are designed for different roles: a shoulder-fired air-defense missile, a laser-guided bomb kit, and an air-to-ground missile used on helicopters.