In early April 2023, Aerojet Rocketdyne was awarded a two-year contract by Lockheed Martin, valued at $23.8 million, to continue its role in providing propulsion units for the Javelin missile. Aerojet Rocketdyne produces an integrated launch and flight motor to safely propel the Javelin missile from launcher to target. A small launch motor using conventional rocket propellant ejects the missile from the launcher, but stops burning before the missile clears the tube. The company was instrumental in advancing Javelin’s capabilities in the early 2000s by developing a motor to increase the missile’s range, culminating in the current Block 1 version of the program.
“Aerojet Rocketdyne has powered more than 50,000 Javelin missiles since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago. We look forward to continuing to deliver the motors for this proven and reliable system that protects our warfighters, allies and strategic partners,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president.
The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M), is an American-made portable man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996, and continuously upgraded. Javelin is developed and produced by the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) between Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. Javelin is a versatile, one-man-portable and multi-purpose weapon system that provides the capability to defeat a broad spectrum of threats under all conditions. Javelin is currently in-service with the U.S. military and more than 20 allied countries.
Aerojet Rocketdyne is an American manufacturer of rocket, hypersonic, and electric propulsive systems for space, defense, civil and commercial applications. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, the company is owned by Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings. Aerojet Rocketdyne was formed in 2013 when Aerojet (then owned by GenCorp) and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne were merged, following the latter’s acquisition by GenCorp from Pratt & Whitney. On April 27, 2015, the name of the holding company, GenCorp, was changed from GenCorp, Inc. to Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. On December 18 2022, L3Harris Technologies announced an agreement to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.7 billion.
