Japan’s Tank-Killer
While the Russo-Ukraine War continues to provide new insight on the latest warfare, the existence of anti-tank weapons (ATMs), particularly the US-made “Javelin Missile” has proven to be extremely deadly towards Russian tanks.
Such battlefield accomplishments were carefully observed by Japan’s Ground Self Defense Forces, or JGSDF in short, whose emphasis on ATMs seems to have been validated.
Indeed, the JGSDF has a long history of reinforcing its arsenal of ATMs, and among the collection is the domestically produced “Type 01 LMAT” also known as the “Japanese Javelin”.
- General Overview
Length 0.97m/3.2ft Diameter 140mm/5.5in Mass (Weight) 17.5kg/38.6lbs (system) Warhead Tandem-charged HEAT Velocity 4km/2.5miles per minute Firing Range 〜2,500m/1.55miles Unit Price 200,000~250,000 USD
As indicated in its name, the Type 01 LMAT entered service in 2001 as the JGSDF’s portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile. Produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, it was meant to replace the Carl Gustaf 84mm recoilless rifle and significantly boost infantry firepower.
However, with a unit cost ranging from 200,000~250,000 USD, the JGSDF only has around 1,100 units in total, resulting in the continued use of aging Carl Gustafs.
Most are distributed as the main tank-killer for infantry squads to execute ambush tactics, but it can also be fired from the Komatsu LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) to perform a more mobile anti-tank role.
LMAT launched from the LAV (photo: JGSDF)
By outwards appearance, the Type 01 LMAT resembles the US Javelin, both using infrared homing as guidance and possessing fire-and-forget capabilities. Like the Javelin, the LMAT’s missile can attack an enemy tank from directly above, penetrating the weak armor, and delivering a fatal blow with its two-stage warhead.
This duel-charged HEAT warhead is considered effective against Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) which is heavily utilized by former Soviet and modern Russian tanks.
With Soviet/Russian tanks in mind as the main adversary, such warhead was viewed as an essential feature for the new ATM, though its adoption was undoubtedly influenced by the US Javelin.
Lighter, Faster Than The Javelin?
So, how does it compare with the original Saint Javelin?
Though developed under similar concepts, the Type 01 LMAT is lighter than the Javelin, weighing only 17.5kg or 38.6lbs to match the size of an average Japanese soldier.
But, since the LMAT is operated by a single soldier in most cases, the total weight extends to 30kg/66lbs including the spare ammo.
Another peculiar point is the LMAT’s uncooled infrared detector (thermographic camera) that allows quick targeting and re-loads for multiple shots. This is quite different from the Javelin’s infrared detector which requires at least a 2〜3 minute cooling period before targeting.
Firing the LMAT during exercise (photo: JGSDF)
Nonetheless, the LMAT does come with some shortcomings.
Since the Type 01 LMAT requires heat detection for activation, it cannot be used against targets without any heat sources, such as buildings and other enemy positions.
We must also take into account that the LMAT has never seen actual combat, rendering its true potential as unknown. This is in stark contrast to the Javelin which has a tremendous military record in obliterating enemy tanks, making it one of the most reliable weapons in the world.
Basically, we can only speculate the LMAT’s capability from live-fire exercises, albeit test results and evaluations by US military personnel seems to be indicate it more than capable as a tank-killer.
In sum, it can be said that the Javelin is more versatile on the battlefield, whereas the LMAT is purely dedicated to destroying armored vehicles instead of pursuing a multi-role feature.
With the JGSDF being the sole customer due to restrictions on arms export, it is unlikely the Type 01 LMAT will see any spike in production, but will certainly remain as the weapon of choice for Japanese tank hunters.
Comments