As a former 0352, you need to fire the javelin from the CLU for any of the special javelin sauce to work. There is no “firing” of this missile in the traditional sense once it’s out of its tube. Firing it as intended would probably be the most effective option, however you need line of site to engage with that weapons system. Using a drone to deliver the explosive portion of the missile allows for Ukrainian troops to stay out of direct line of site bc drone, so while less materially effective, prolly way more effective in terms of Ukrainian lives which is what matters most.
Part of my soul is sad to know that little guy won’t be able to live out his *PHUNK* *KAWWWOOOOSSSHHHH* *KABOOM* dreams, but if he gets to kill some invaders, save some Ukrainians, and is happy then I’m happy. Better than getting teased by trying to bracket camels and taking bets on whether it would track.
CLU is like $250k by itself, missile is like $220k. And prolly like $200k of that missile price is what’s visible on the nose before the first hammer tap. Arri Alexa’s dream of growing up to be that camera lol.