The TOW missile, or Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile, is an anti-tank guided missile system developed in the United States. It is designed to engage and destroy armored vehicles and fortifications. The missile is launched from a tube and is guided to its target using a wire that connects the missile to the launcher, allowing the operator to steer it during flight. First introduced in the 1970s, the TOW missile has undergone several upgrades, improving its range and effectiveness. It is widely used by the U.S. military and many allied forces around the world, making it a key component in modern ground warfare.