As the Russian onslaught of Ukraine rages, advanced weaponry manufactured in the Yellowhammer State proves critical in the fight against President Vladimir Putin’s tyrannical ambitions.
Alabama’s contributions to the national defense of U.S. allies are on full display on the world stage as Ukrainian armed forces utilize Javelin anti-tank missiles to fend off Russian invaders.
Manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s Pike County Operations facility in Troy, the Javelin has enabled Ukrainian forces to mount a stronger-than-expected resistance to Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
More than 350 of the defense industry powerhouse’s South Alabama employees support final assembly of the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) product. The Javelin system is developed through a joint venture with Raytheon.
The world premier anti-armor weapon is launched from the shoulder and uses a self-guiding system to engage its target. The fire-and-forget system allows the warfighter to seek cover after firing and immediately reload to attack the next threat.
According to reports, the Javelin has proved vital to Ukraine’s defense as Russia has made heavy use of tank warfare.
An analysis piece published by The Jerusalem Post described Javelin missiles as weaponry that is “turning the Russian hunters into prey.”
Illia Ponomarenko, defense reporter for the Kyiv Independent, tweeted photos of Javelin missiles in a Ukrainian military storage facility. Stamped on the side of the weapon is writing which reads, “Javelin Joint Venture Lockheed Martin Troy, AL 36081.”
New NLAWs and Javelins in Ukrainian hands 🔥
I’m afraid we should expect to see hundreds of Russian tanks burning, ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/ZvpTZZ2Ltd— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 1, 2022
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
