The U.S. Army awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totaling $267 million for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts support U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Javelin LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter, while doubling target detection and recognition compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit. The LWCLU maximizes surveillance for soldiers, while offering day and night engagement capability. The LWCLU is adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants. Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon (NYSE: RTX) in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida.
“With these latest Javelin contracts, we will introduce the Javelin LWCLU to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and its allies. Achieving full-rate production for the LWCLU is a significant milestone that will achieve cost efficiencies, reduce risk and, most importantly, accelerate delivery times,” said Andy Amaro, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon, an RTX business.
“The Lightweight Command Launch Unit is a cutting-edge deterrence solution that will allow for increased mobility when it’s needed most through the use of more efficient fire-and-forget technology. This full-rate production contract of LWCLU will allow the JJV to continue to provide next-generation capabilities to support global users’ current and future needs,” said Dave Pantano, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director.
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. It replaced the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in US service. Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. To date, the JJV has produced more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. Production work under these contracts will take place in Tucson with estimated completion in 2026 and 2028. With more than 25 international customers worldwide, the contract supports Javelin’s increased global demand, including new international customer Kosovo. The contract also includes more than 4,000 Javelins to replenish rounds sent to Ukraine.
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.
