Lithuanian Land Force Receives New Shipment of FGM-148 Javelin Man-portable Anti-tank System

Lithuanian Land Force has received an additional shipment of FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles from the United States. The $7 million purchase represents a strategic enhancement of Lithuania’s military arsenal, reinforcing its ability to respond to potential threats. Lithuania’s history with the Javelin system dates back to 2001, when it became the first European country to integrate this advanced launcher and missile system into its defense strategy. In 2021, recognizing the evolving security landscape, the Government of Lithuania requested an additional 230 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 20 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs). This request was part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s long-term defense capacity. The new shipment supplements a previous Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, which was valued at $28.23 million and included 111 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 10 Javelin CLUs. The principal contractor for this procurement is the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Corporation Joint Venture, based in Orlando, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona.

“Having the system is not enough, you also need a sufficient amount of missiles to constitute deterrence. This purchase that has just been delivered from the United States significantly contributes to strengthening Lithuania’s defensive capabilities and increasing capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces for the long-haul. It is a timely step that reflects the geopolitical situation,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M), is an American-made man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996, and continuously upgraded. The Javelin medium-range anti-tank missile system is an advanced weapon capable of destroying modern main battle tanks in daylight and at night within the effective range of 75 meters – 2.5 kilometers. The Javelin’s high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead can defeat modern tanks by top-down attack, hitting them from above, where their armor is thinnest, and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight. The javelin uses a tandem charge warhead to circumvent an enemy tank’s explosive reactive armor (ERA) which would normally make HEAT warheads ineffective. More than 50,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 CLUs are currently in service within the US armed forces and over 20 allied nations. Javelin is expected to remain operational within the US until 2050.

The United States is one of Lithuania’s principal partners in defence acquisitions which, besides the Javelin, include the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, AMRAAM Advanced Medium Range Air-Air Missiles for the NASAMS medium-range ground-based air defense system, Switchblade loitering munition, etc. Over 20% of the new defence purchases in the Lithuanian Armed Forces were contracted with the United States.