Javelin anti-tank missile in flight — The anti-tank missiles are highly sought after in Europe, with many countries looking to replenish stocks of smaller weapons after helping arm Ukraine in their war against Russia (Picture: MOD).

USA

US approves potential sale of Javelin missiles to UK

The US has approved a potential sale of Javelin missiles to the UK.

Six hundred Javelins, as well as technical assistance and logistical support, would be provided by the US State Department in any potential sale, the Pentagon has said.

Developed and produced for the US Army and Marine Corps, the Javelin is an extremely powerful shoulder-fired anti-armour system.

Heavier than the Nlaw (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon), the 'fire and forget' Javelin system allows the user to lock onto a target, fire and then focus on a different target.

The Javelin works by using infrared technology to automatically guide itself to a target, alllowing the user to take cover, avoid counterfire, reposition or reload – ready to engage with another threat.

The Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility and then strikes where the armour is weakest and has a range of 2.5km

Watch: What is the Javelin missile?

The anti-tank missiles are highly sought after in Europe, with many countries looking to replenish their own stocks of smaller weapons after helping arm Ukraine in its war against Russia.

European nations are focused on replacing such weapons instead of the bigger capabilities that have been sent to Kyiv in recent times – such as tanks.

Despite the Pentagon notifying Congress of the potential sale, no contract has been signed nor negotiations concluded.

This comes as the Prime Minister said the UK would be "the first country to give Ukraine longer-range weapons".

Rishi Sunak reiterated the UK's resolve in supporting Ukraine, saying that the UK became the first country to provide Ukraine with tanks, as well as being the first to offer training to Ukrainian pilots and marines.

Mr Sunak also said the West must give Ukrainian armed forces "advanced, Nato-standard capabilities", including longer-range weapons, at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

More recently, the US has pledged to send a new wave of drones to Ukraine, including reconnaissance and striking capabilities.