Training the Bulgarian military is crucial for effectively implementing these advanced systems. Initially, the focus will be on the fundamental technical aspects. This includes a comprehensive introduction to the Command Launch Unit [CLU], which fulfills both targeting and night vision roles, along with the missiles themselves.
Operators will learn to use the infrared targeting system, acquire targets, and utilize the fire-and-forget feature. The curriculum will also cover tactical scenarios where the Javelin is exceptionally effective, such as targeting heavily armored vehicles and fortifications.
The second phase shifts to practical application on a training ground. Bulgarian soldiers will engage in simulated combat scenarios using training missiles and target simulation systems. This hands-on portion involves firing at various distances—up to a maximum of 2,500 meters—where they will learn to exploit the Javelin’s ability to strike tanks from above, where armor is weakest. Training will also emphasize tactical maneuvers for quickly taking cover after launch, as the Javelin system allows the operator to do so immediately.
During the final phase, the training will focus on the maintenance and logistics of the Javelin system. This includes essential guidelines for the secure storage, transportation, and maintenance of the launchers and missiles. Specialized technical teams will be prepared to ensure the equipment stays operational, with the skills to perform diagnostics and minor on-site repairs.
The Javelin system boasts several benefits over older Soviet anti-tank weapons such as the RPG-7 and 9K111 Fagot. First and foremost, it features a fire-and-forget capability, allowing the operator to seek cover immediately after launch. In contrast, the Soviet systems demanded active control from the operator, increasing vulnerability.
Another significant advantage is the Javelin’s dual cumulative warhead, designed to penetrate advanced composite and reactive armor. While the RPG-7 and Fagot can breach certain types of armor, they fall short against modern tanks with sophisticated defense systems. Furthermore, the Javelin can engage targets up to 2,500 meters away, compared to the RPG-7’s effective range of about 500 meters. This considerably enhances the tactical versatility of the Javelin in combat scenarios.
Finally, the Javelin has an infrared sensor that enables operators to target objects in low-visibility conditions or at night. In contrast, many Soviet systems either lack this technology or need additional optical devices. These benefits make the Javelin a highly modern and effective system, perfectly adapted to contemporary combat scenarios and threats.
The integration of Javelin systems into the Bulgarian army is a strategically important process that demands meticulous planning and coordination across multiple levels. Adopting the Javelin will necessitate the development of new tactical concepts and training scenarios. Military units responsible for operating the Javelin will undergo intensive training, focusing on interaction with other units and systems, such as mechanized and motorized infantry formations.
Moreover, the Javelin will enhance the army’s anti-tank capabilities by synergizing with existing Soviet systems like the 9K111 Fagot. This combination of old and new technologies will provide soldiers with a range of tactical options to tackle various combat situations efficiently.
The implementation of new logistical procedures will be crucial for the effective maintenance and management of Javelin stocks. Specialized teams will be trained to provide technical support, ensuring that the logistics operations include the secure storage and transport of missiles and launchers.
Integrating the Javelin might prompt a revamp of Bulgaria’s military doctrine, highlighting new methods of operation and the combined use of modern technologies. This will involve conducting threat analyses and modifying the Army’s operational structure to leverage new opportunities. By taking these steps, Bulgaria can markedly enhance its anti-tank capabilities, bolstering national security and territorial defense.
Evidence of the Javelin’s effectiveness can be seen in real-world incidents where the missiles have destroyed high-value targets. Notably, on February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian military released video footage demonstrating successful Javelin strikes on Russian military convoys in the Kyiv region.
Reports indicate that around 70% of Javelin attacks in the initial phase of the conflict were successful. This is largely due to their “fire-and-forget” feature, which significantly boosts the tactical edge of Ukrainian forces. Lieutenant Igor Kravchenko, a commanding officer, remarked: “The Javelin allows us to strike from a safe distance, giving us an advantage in the conflict.” These instances underscore the role of Javelins in helping Ukraine halt Russian advances and defend its land.
However, there have been occasions where the Javelin did not meet expectations. In April 2022, for example, Russian forces employed strategic defense measures, using camouflage and active protection on their tanks, which substantially decreased the Javelin’s effectiveness. The Ukrainian military noted that in such scenarios, even when the missiles were launched, they failed to breach the defenses of the latest Russian tanks, which are equipped with active defense systems capable of thwarting enemy attacks.
Moreover, there were instances where Ukrainian soldiers lacked adequate preparation or training to effectively use the Javelin missile system. Some soldiers reported that their first firing attempts ended in failure. One soldier recounted an experience where firing at a Russian tank did not result in a hit, causing a brief panic among soldiers who were still gaining experience with the weapon. Estimates suggest that in the early stages of the conflict, the lack of comprehensive instructions and training led to operational failures of the system in some situations.
BULGARIAN MILITARY