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The Republic of Kosovo will acquire almost 250 Javelin FGM-148F missiles in a US$75 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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US Congress was notified of the possible sale to the south-east European country by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on 11 January.
Under the agreement, Kosovo would receive 246 Javelin FGM-148F missiles (including six fly-to-buy missiles) and 24 Javelin lightweight command launch units, Javelin LWCLU basic skills trainers, Javelin outdoor trainers, missile simulation rounds, outdoor training instructor stations, battery coolant units, system integration and check out, life cycle support, Javelin restricted interactive electronic technical manual, Javelin operator manual and technical assistance, tools, Javelin gunner training, maintenance, logistics and program support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a European partner which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” said a statement from the DSCA on 11 January.
“The proposed sale will improve Kosovo’s long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defence requirements. Kosovo will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of US government or contractor representatives to Kosovo.”
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense will be the prime contractors under the Javelin Joint Venture.
The American man-portable anti-tank guided missile with fire-and-forget capability has seen extensive use internationally.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Europe has shown the most increased demand for Javelin in recent years. There are currently 13 European countries that are Javelin users, the latest addition being North Macedonia.
Other international customers include Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, Jordan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Lockheed Martin announced late last year that the Javelin Joint Venture would attempt to nearly double its current production rate of 2,100 Javelins per year to 3,960 per year by 2026.
“Javelin’s success on the battlefield continues to prove its international appeal as a combat-proven precision weapon system,” according to Charles Michaels, Javelin international senior program manager.
“Its fire-and-forget capability has made the system a key deterrent for both our domestic services and our international allies.”
By investing in long lead supply chain parts and equipment needed to support higher rates of production, the Javelin program has a well-formed development roadmap for the future with several potential new international customers lined up and a handful of additional platform integration opportunities, he said.
