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The US Army has requested a ramp-up in the production of Javelin missiles amid a spike in demand for the anti-tank strike capability.
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The Javelin Joint Venture – a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies – has been awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services, worth a combined US$309 million (AU$442.5 million).
The US Army contracts are expected to fund the development of over 1,300 Javelin missiles in service of orders from the US Congress’ Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, as well as procurement requests from international customers, including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.
“The Javelin Joint Venture is working hard to meet this increase in demand,” Dave Pantano, Javelin Joint venture vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, said.
“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.”
Marek Wolert, Javelin Joint Venture president and program director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, noted the company’s commitment to meeting growing demand for the anti-tank weapon.
“Raytheon is working proactively with our supply chain to ensure our readiness and ability to support this urgent need,” Wolert said.
Lockheed Martin currently produces approximately 2,100 Javelin missiles each year, supported by Raytheon’s Command Launch Units.
Since its establishment, the Javelin Joint Venture has produced more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units.
Javelin is expected to remain in service with the US military until 2050, with the capability continually reassessed for modification in line with evolving warfighting requirements.
The Javelin is billed as a versatile anti-tank and multi-target guided missile system, offering fire-and-forget capability over a range of up to four kilometres in most operational conditions.
The missile has been deployed by Ukrainian forces, helping to repel Russia’s armoured vehicle offensive.
[Related: US sells Javelin missiles to Thailand, Georgia]
