TOW stands for Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided. It was designed by the Hughes Aircraft Company, as a replacement for the older anti-armor weapons.

Anti-tank TOW missiles have wires connected to them because they're guided manually, not remotely. The wire allows operator to steer the missile.

The State Department has cleared Bahrain™s request to buy F-16V fighter aircraft variant, services for the upgrade of F-16 Block 40 jets to F-16V configuration, TOW missiles and fast-patrol ...

Raytheon’s missiles and defense business has supplied more than 700,000 TOW missile systems to the U.S. military and allied troops, according to the company.

Defense contractor, RTX Corporation RTX is a prominent forerunner in the missile systems space, with a robust portfolio including the TOW missile, Guidance Enhanced Missile, Advanced Medium Range ...

The TOW missile has been in America's armed forces service for over 50 years and remains one of the most prolific weapon systems in military history.

If you pay attention to military activities in any capacity, you may have noticed anti-tank TOW missiles are connected to a wire, which begs the question: Why?