The U.S. Army has awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totalling $267 million for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts will support both U.S. Army operations and Foreign Military Sales to 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,” said 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 designed to be 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the current Block I Command Launch Unit, while also doubling target detection and recognition capabilities. This enhanced design maximizes surveillance for soldiers and provides engagement capabilities during both day and night operations. Furthermore, 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,” said 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.”
The Javelin system is developed and produced by the JJV, a partnership between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. To date, the JJV has produced over 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. Production work under these contracts will take place in Tucson, with an estimated completion date between 2026 and 2028.
