Does Ukrainian Success With Anti-Armor Weapons Mean Tanks Could Become Obsolete?

Video Above: The Role of Javelin Missiles in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

By Kris Osborn – Warrior Maven

The Ukrainians have been extremely effective against Russian convoys and armored vehicles with anti-armor weapons such as the US-built Javelin anti-tank weapons, perhaps due to a blend of innovative ambush tactics and and strategic attacks in narrowly configured passageways or intersections

While most observers and weapons developers are likely to stop well short of using the word “obsolete” when it comes to tank warfare, however does the Ukrainian success highlight the prospect that heavily armored tanks are in fact more vulnerable than may have been anticipated?

There may be something to this in the sense that anti-armor weapons are known to be quite effective, as Javelins were used successfully against Iraqi armor in Operation Iraqi Freedom and have a proven record of being able to destroy armor. However, there are several crucial variables to consider, such as the relative condition of Russian tanks and the tactics employed by Ukrainian fighters.

Ukraine’s apparent success with anti-armor weapons may in large measure be greatly increased by successful ambush tactics and hit-and-run operations. For example, should Javelin-armed Ukrainian soldiers strategically position themselves in defilade at hidden or obscured locations in urban environments or at narrow intersections and “choke points,” they are likely to have success emerging quickly to strike armored vehicles at close-in ranges. 

This would increase the likelihood that Russian armored vehicles could be accurately targeted by Javelins and hit with greater precision and impact. For instance, striking the ammo compartment of a tank or hitting other potentially more vulnerable areas can maximize damage to enemy tanks.