U.S. Army awards Javelin Joint Venture First Lightweight Command Launch Unit contract

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.

"With these latest Javelin contracts, we will introduce the Javelin LWCLU to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and its allies," says Andy Amaro, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon, an RTX business. "Achieving full-rate production for the LWCLU is a significant milestone that will achieve cost efficiencies, reduce risk and, most importantly, accelerate delivery times."

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.

"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," says Dave Pantano, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. "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."

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.