The U.S. Army has awarded two major production contracts to the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a collaboration between defense giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, for the delivery of $267 million worth of Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts will support the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and international allies, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as a new customer, Kosovo.
The Javelin LWCLU is designed to significantly enhance mobility and target acquisition for soldiers in the field, offering a unit that is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the current Block I Command Launch Unit, while also doubling target detection and recognition capabilities. Equipped for both day and night operations, the LWCLU offers increased surveillance capabilities and compatibility with all past, present, and future Javelin missile variants. This adaptability ensures that soldiers can rely on a single, high-performance system across a range of mission demands.
The contracts mark a key milestone for the JJV, enabling the LWCLU to reach full-rate production, which is expected to reduce costs, accelerate delivery times, and improve reliability. Andy Amaro, president of JJV and Javelin program director at Raytheon, commented on the significance of the achievement: “Achieving full-rate production for the LWCLU is a significant milestone that will achieve cost efficiencies, reduce risk, and, most importantly, accelerate delivery times.”
Dave Pantano, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, emphasized the LWCLU’s role in enhancing mobility with fire-and-forget technology, describing it as a “cutting-edge deterrence solution” that addresses current and future needs for global military users. Production will take place in Tucson, Arizona, with expected completion by 2026 and 2028.
Since its initial deployment in 1996, the Javelin anti-tank system has evolved through continuous upgrades, replacing the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in U.S. service. To date, over 50,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 Command Launch Units have been produced, with more than 4,000 Javelins included in this contract to replenish rounds sent to Ukraine. The contract reflects growing global demand for Javelin systems, with more than 25 international customers worldwide relying on the Javelin’s advanced capabilities.
As the Javelin Joint Venture expands its reach, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin continue to uphold their commitment to providing innovative, next-generation defense solutions for the U.S. and its allies, ensuring national security and tactical superiority on the global stage.
