Thayer Consultancy Background Brief:

ABN # 65 648 097 123

Philippines and US Forces Fire
Javelin Missiles

April 14, 2023

E request your assessment of today’s Javelin live-fire training in the Philippines

involving U.S. and Philippine armed forces.
Q1. We assume they’ve done that before; but what do you think this live-firing
contributes to the alliance?
ANSWER: This is most likely the first time the Philippines and the U.S. have fired FGM-
148 Javelin missiles during the annual Balikatan exercise. This year eight units of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines were given special instruction and the use of Javelin
missile simulators during Exercise Salaknib (13 March to 4 April) held prior to Exercise
Balikatan (11-28 April).
The Javelin live-firing exercise involved three personnel, one each from the U.S. Army,
Philippine Army and the Philippine Marine Corps, firing Javelin missiles at three target
vehicles at Fort Magsaysay on 13 April.
The use of Javelins and HIMARS in this year’s exercises is in response to President
Marcos Jr’s shift to an emphasis on territorial defence. It demonstrates
interoperability and Philippine proficiency in a defensive posture against an aggressor
Q2. How are these things likely to be used in a contingency in this part of the world?
ANSWER: The Javelin is mainly an anti-armour weapon fired from the shoulder by a
single soldier. The missile can be mounted on tracked, wheeled or amphibious
vehicles. Also, the Javelin can be configured to hit slow moving aircraft at low altitude
including helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Taiwan is experimenting with the Javelin for use against mainland Chinese amphibous
troop-carrying boats.
Q3. Do we have enough to provide to our allies over here since we’re sending a lot to
Ukraine?
ANSWER: According to a commentary written by Mark Cancian, published in April
2022 by the Center for International and Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C., the
United States has provided the Ukraine with approximately one-third of its stock of
Javelin missiles. This has begun to deplete stocks held in reserve for other
contingencies around the word such as North Korea and Iran. U.S. stocks are also being
run down by annual routine training and testing.
 2

According to Cancian, the maximum production rate for the Javelins is 6,480 per year.
At present, it would take more than a year for Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to reach
maximum production levels. The U.S. Government procures an estimated 1,000
Javelins per year. Delivery time takes thirty-two months once an order is placed. In
sum, it will take the U.S. about three to four years just to replace the Javelins already
provided to the Ukraine.
In March, Australia purchased 255 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, launchers, ancillary
equipment and follow on U.S. technical assistance and logistical support in a package
deal worth $60m.
According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency “it is vital to the U.S.
national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready
self-defence capability.” The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency also noted the
importance of Australia’s strategic location. The same rationale could be applied to
the Philippines.
Lt. General Romeo Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army, stated that as part
of the Horizon 3 military modernization program the Philippines wanted to procure
not only Javelin missiles but HIMARS rocket artillery as well through the U.S. Foreign
Military Sales program.

Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “Philippines and US Forces Fire Javelin

Missiles,” Thayer Consultancy Background Brief, April 14, 2023. All background briefs
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Thayer Consultancy provides political analysis of current regional security issues and
other research support to selected clients. Thayer Consultancy was officially
registered as a small business in Australia in 2002.