The tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless-guided missile, also called the TOW missile, is the world’s greatest long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armor, anti-bunker, anti-fortification, and anti-amphibious landing weapon system. It is also the most widely used anti-tank guided missile. The TOW missile provides ground troops with an advantage over opposing armored and wheeled vehicles regardless of the terrain or conditions. It is critical and has complementing capability in layered ground-force defense, delivering dependable and precise anti-armor attack in highly disputed areas.The TOW missile systems have been in service since 1970, with over 700,000 units supplied by the Raytheon Missiles & Defense to the US and allied armed forces to date. TOW 2A or BGM-71E missiles, which commenced manufacturing in 1987, have been delivered of more than 118,000 units. TOW 2B or BGM-71F missiles commenced production in 1991, with over 40,000 delivered, and are intended to supplement rather than replace TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero, and TOW 2A bunker buster missiles or BGM-71H. All TOW weapon system launchers, including the ITASTM launcher, Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle or modified ITAS launcher, and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, may fire the TOW 2A, TOW 2B, and TOW Bunker Buster missiles.