Sea Javelin: An Analysis of Naval Force Protection Alternatives

The US Navy continues to provide a forward presence, conduct freedom of navigation operations and deploy in areas around the world. There exists a very real threat to the vessels and crew of the US Navy; terrorists have proven that they are willing and able to use low-cost, high-impact weapons. The US Navy needs weapons that are mobile, cost-efficient, easily integrated into the fleet and, most importantly, these weapons are needed immediately. This need, combined with current budgetary considerations, compels us to seek weapons that are ready to be employed into the fleet today. The traditional evolutionary process will not provide a capable weapon in a timely or cost-effective manner. The need, as does the weapon to meet that need, exists today. That weapon is the Army M98A1 Javelin Anti-Armor Missile. The goals of this thesis are to: (1) Examine the need for a stand-alone, point-defense weapon for use on surface vessels to effectively combat the small boat threat while underway in restricted waters as well as in port. (2) Discuss the shortfalls of current weapons systems used in the fleet to combat this threat. (3) Identify the suitability of the Javelin to meet that threat. (4) Discuss the potential and substantial cost savings available to both the United States Navy and Army if such an endeavor were to take place.