Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Awarded $13.5 Million Contract for Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Systems.

The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, based in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a contract modification worth $13,488,810 (P00168) for the Javelin Missile System. The work will be conducted in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2024. At the time of the contract award, $13,488,810 in Army funds for missile procurement in Fiscal Year 2022 were allocated. The Army Contracting Command, located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
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U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade fires an FGM-148 Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile. (Picture source Dvids)

The initial authorized funding of $1.02 billion will enable the production of 3,960 Javelin All Up Round (AUR) units per year by the end of 2026. The contract also covers the financing of tools, test equipment, and non-recurring efforts (NRE) required to expand Javelin's production capacity at JJV facilities and throughout the supply chain. This crucial contract supports the development and delivery of the Javelin Missile System, enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Army. It is noteworthy that the Javelin system is sought after by international customers, making it a critical component of modern defense arsenals worldwide.

Representatives of JJV have emphasized the importance of the Javelin anti-tank missile system in meeting the evolving needs of customers worldwide, highlighting the contract's role in addressing increasing international interest in this versatile weapon system. The Javelin system has been adopted by more than 20 international customers, including North Macedonia, further solidifying its significance in global defense.

Manufactured by the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) at Raytheon Technologies' facility in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin's facility in Orlando, Florida, the Javelin missile stands as a battle-tested, precision anti-armor weapon that operates on a fire-and-forget principle. To date, over 50,000 missiles and 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units have been produced. The Javelin system is projected to remain a vital component of the U.S. arsenal until 2050.

Designed for infantry use against armored vehicles, bunkers, and fortifications, the Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile is a portable, user-friendly weapon system. The collaborative effort of Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin under the Javelin Joint Venture results in a configuration comprising a missile housed in a disposable launch tube and a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) responsible for targeting and guidance.

Employing a tandem warhead, the Javelin missile effectively counters reactive armor commonly found on modern tanks. With a range of approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and employing an infrared seeker for guidance, the operator can fire the missile and immediately seek cover or reposition. The missile is capable of two launch modes: top-attack mode, in which it strikes the target from above, exploiting the weaker top armor of tanks, and direct-attack mode, which targets non-armored or covered targets.

Battle-proven in conflicts such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, the Javelin has gained widespread adoption by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and over 20 international customers. Its significance is expected to endure, firmly establishing its position as a crucial asset within the U.S. military arsenal until 2050.