Like many other defense areas, the anti-armor missile market is evolving. Combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere have spurred purchases of these missiles by the U.S. and other nations. Ironically, these missiles are not engaging tanks, but rather, a host of other types of targets, from terrorist hideouts to unarmored pickup trucks. Along with the change in targets, there has been a shift in the procurement profile for these missiles. Prior to 2001, the HELLFIRE saw a slow drop in annual purchases. Afterward, the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan began pushing up these figures. U.S. Army orders for the HELLFIRE quickly climbed, and soon, the U.S. Air Force and Navy were placing large production contracts of their own.
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