Watch the US Javelin missile ‘melt the tank from the inside’ wreaking havoc on Russian armor in Ukraine

THOUSANDS of anti-tank weapons have been sent to Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces and Javelin missiles have emerged as a favorite.

The American-made mobile ammunition became the key to destroying Russian tanks – although it was not the silver bullet to win the conflict.

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Of the 17,000 anti-tank weapons received from many Western countries, several hundred are FGM-148 Javelin launchers.

According to Ukraine, 444 Russian tanks have been blown up by such technology so far – although it is not clear exactly how many were caused by the Javelin.

So popular and successful, it was dubbed “Saint Javelin” after a meme featuring Mary Magdalene and rockets went viral.

Defensive weapons cost $178,000 / £135,600, while each replacement missile costs $78,000 / £59,200.

With two explosions, the missile is capable of penetrating some of the toughest tanks, especially the Russian T-90.

It works best with two soldiers but can also be used by a lone warrior.

Javelin works by locking onto a target’s thermal image using a thermal sensor.

Fighters can look through a command launch unit and choose from different targets and attack patterns, with a disposable launcher found on the back.

It can travel up to 2.5 miles, giving soldiers a reasonable distance to attack.

“It is the information about Javelin’s presence on the payroll of the Armed Forces that panics the occupiers”, Armed Forces of Ukraine tweeted.

It is also said to be fairly easy to train for anyone to use, which is ideal during the current crisis.

“If you play video games, you can use it,” one American soldier told AFP.

Despite the weapon’s success, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that what his country really needs is an air defense system and fighter jets.

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