This is the Javelin anti-tank missile system that the US just sent to Ukraine

Soldiers Javelin anti tank us army soldiers training

The US has delivered the Javelin anti-tank missile system to Ukraine, a State Department official confirmed to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on Monday.

"They have already been delivered," the official told RFE/RL.

The Trump administration announced in December that it had approved a $47 million deal for 210 Javelin anti-tank missiles and 37 Javelin launchers. But the State Department official didn't disclose to RFE/RL when and how many launchers and missiles arrived, or if Ukrainian troops have begun training on them.

The deal was intended to deter Russia, which has opposed the sale since its inception, despite denying any real involvement in the conflict. Former President Barack Obama, as well as France and Germany, opposed arming Ukraine out of concern that it may inflame the conflict.

Trump's national security advisers eventually convinced him to sign off on the deal, but the president also told them to not publicly talk about the deal, fearing that it might agitate Russian President Vladimir Putin, NBC News previously reported.

"[Trump] doesn't want us to bring it up," a White House official told NBC News in March. "It is not something he wants to talk about."

Here's what the Javelin can do:

Developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system first entered US service in 1996.

Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are two of the largest defense contractors and political donors in the US.

It's a portable, shoulder-mounted missile system that's about four feet long and weighs about 33 pounds.

Source: army-technology.com

The reusable Command Launch Unit fires a high explosive anti-tank, infrared guided missile up to about 8,200 feet.

It also has fire-and-forget technology, meaning the operator can pull the trigger and then take cover, not having to make adjustments to the missile flight after firing.

Source: army-technology.com, military.com

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