BGM-71 TOW

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Anti-Tank Missile

BGM-71 TOW

The American wire-guided anti-tank missile used in 40+ countries

The BGM-71 TOW is an American tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided anti-tank missile made by RTX (Raytheon), in service since 1970. More than 700,000 have been produced and over 40 countries use it.

United States|RTX (Raytheon)
3,750–4,500 mRangeTandem HEATWarhead22.6 kgWeight278 m/sMissile Speed1970Entered ServiceIn ProductionStatus

What Is the BGM-71 TOW? Overview, History and Development

Originally built by Hughes Aircraft, TOW began development in the 1960s, with first flight tests in 1968 and US Army service from 1970. The TOW 2 of 1983 reached 3.75 km, the TOW 2A of 1987 added a tandem HEAT warhead, and the TOW 2B of about 1992 flies over the target in top-attack mode. The TOW 2B Aero extends range to 4.5 km. The missile weighs about 22.6 kg in its tube, and wireless versions replace the trailing wire with a radio link.

TOW was first used in combat in Vietnam in 1972, then in the Iran-Iraq war, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, and in Syria, where US-supplied missiles to rebel groups from 2013 appear widely in video. Key users include the US, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and Morocco. Ukraine has received TOW from the US and partners since 2022.

BGM-71 TOW
Photo: Matanya / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

BGM-71 TOW Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility

ManufacturerRTX (Raytheon)
CountryUnited States
Entered Service1970
StatusIn Production
First Flight1968
Range3,750–4,500 m
WarheadTandem HEAT
Weight22.6 kg
Missile Speed278 m/s
Caliber152 mm
Length1.17 m
GuidanceSACLOS wire / RF
Units Built700,000+
Unit CostUS$70,000

BGM-71 TOW Variants and Versions Compared

TOW 2A

The TOW 2A of 1987 added a tandem HEAT warhead to defeat reactive armour, with a range of about 3,750 m.

TOW 2B

The TOW 2B of about 1992 is the top-attack version that flies over the target and strikes the thin top armour.

TOW 2B Aero

The TOW 2B Aero extends the range to about 4,500 m.

Which Countries Use the BGM-71 TOW? Operators and Users

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomGermanyItalyNetherlandsSpainGreeceTürkiyeTaiwanSouth KoreaJapanIsraelSaudi ArabiaJordanEgyptKuwaitUAEBahrainOmanPakistanMoroccoThailandIndonesiaAustraliaSingaporePhilippinesUkraine

BGM-71 TOW FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions

How much does a TOW missile cost?

The BGM-71 TOW costs approximately US$70,000 per missile, though US Army purchasing figures vary by version. TOW 2B is more expensive than earlier models.

What is the range of the TOW 2B?

The TOW 2B has a range of about 3,750 m, and the TOW 2B Aero extends this to about 4,500 m. The original TOW 1 reached about 3,000 m.

Which countries use the TOW missile?

The TOW is used by more than 40 countries, including the US, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and Morocco. The list is approximated from open sources.

TOW vs Javelin: which is better?

The TOW has a longer range and a cheaper missile, while the Javelin is fire-and-forget and lets the crew leave after launch. The TOW is wire or radio guided, so the operator must keep tracking the target.

How does TOW wire guidance work?

The TOW missile is guided by the operator keeping the sight on the target, with commands sent along a trailing wire to the missile (SACLOS). Wireless versions send these commands by radio link.

Does Türkiye use the TOW missile?

Yes, Türkiye is a long-time TOW user with M113 TOW carriers, and built launchers under licence in the past. Domestic OMTAS, UMTAS and Karaok missiles are replacing it.