The FGM-148 Javelin or better known as the Javelin by the Ukrainian people, became a symbol of their resistance to the Russian invasion. This missile was glorified and considered a sacred object until it was given the name Santo Javelin and created an Instagram social media account.
Even since his popularity soared with the account name @saintjavelin, he has managed to gather 11.6 thousand followers. Where its own function has been empowered more widely, as a place to donate and sell some merchandise, the proceeds of which will be used for the needs of Ukraine.
Originally this was a meme, featuring Mary Magdalene, carrying a Javelin missile in a green robe, reminiscent of the khaki uniform of the Ukrainian army. Including a circle of light above his head, which was changed to blue and yellow, depicting the flag of Ukraine, quoted us from Euro News Next, Friday (4/3/2022).
From there, a new nickname was given, namely Saint Javelin or Santo Javelin. For Christians, the Saint is a figure of a saint who is considered to be able to give help and hope to the congregation who are experiencing difficulties in life.
Then, when the design has spread. Someone in the Ukrainian defense industry even printed it out and shared it with friends all over Europe. Its original purpose, only as a symbol of support for Ukraine.
It's just that, when the war becomes clearer. An idea came up, to make it more commercial. Finally Christian Borys, a former journalist who worked in Ukraine from 2014 to 2018, began running the initiative.
"I want to put it in my car. I want to give it to some friends. I want to use it to raise some money. You know, if I make some stickers, I can make some money and give it to Ukraine," Borys said.
Until finally the meme was redesigned, then printed as many as 100 stickers, which sold out in the first 24 hours. Followed by the latest prints amounting to more than 1,000 stickers and sold quickly.
It's not just a sticker. But the embodiment of St. Javelin carried by Mary Magdalene, also became a variety of merchandise in the form of t-shirts, hoodies, sweetshirts to toque sold by the official site called Saint Javelin.
Javelin, a Sophisticated Missile 'Worshiped' by the Ukrainian People Photo: (Ukrainian Defense Ministry Press Service)
Little is known, that the Javelin is an anti -tank missile, in which Ukrainian armaments are assisted by several countries, especially the United States. The weapon was first used when it destroyed an Iraqi T-72 tank in a military operation, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Named the FGM-148 Javelin, this missile has been making its warfare debut since 1996 and was made by companies called Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
It can be used on tactical vehicles and launched to destroy tanks from a distance. Including can be carried or leaned on the shoulder and shot.
This weapon can damage a tank, by aiming it from above. Because it is the most comprehensive material for the steel -clad combat vehicle. It is also equipped with an infrared tracking system and can reach a maximum height of 150 meters.
