The US Army has awarded a contract to Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, for the production of Javelin anti-tank weapons. The contract, which has a potential value of $7.2 billion, covers the delivery of an unspecified number of Javelin missiles.
“The Javelin Joint Venture is working hard to meet this increase in demand,” says Dave Pantano, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Javelin’s unique capabilities have proven to be a difference-maker in our users’ defining moments, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Army to deliver this critical weapon system.”
“We remain committed to delivering this exceptional weapon system to warfighters around the globe,” said Marek Wolert, Javelin Joint Venture president and program director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “Raytheon is working proactively with our supply chain to ensure our readiness and ability to support this urgent need.”
The Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget missile system that can engage and destroy enemy tanks and other armoured vehicles from a distance of up to 4 kilometres. It has a unique top-attack flight profile that allows it to strike the most vulnerable part of the target. It also has a state-of-the-art imaging infrared seeker and a tandem warhead for enhanced accuracy and lethality.
The Javelin has been in service since 1996 and has proven its effectiveness in combat in various conflicts, such as Ukraine, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It is also a key component of the US military’s efforts to deter and counter potential adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, US and Philippine troops fired Javelins during a joint exercise in the Philippines. The US also plans to provide Javelin missiles to Taiwan and other partners in the region.
According to Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, the contract award reflects the urgency of acquiring and replenishing Javelin stockpiles in light of emerging threats. He said that the Army and its industry partners are working to shorten the production time and delivery of the systems. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have produced more than 50,000 Javelins so far.
