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Brazil’s request to purchase the anti-armour weapons has been approved by the US State Department.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced the approval of a US$74 million (AU$106.4 million) sale of up to 222 Javelin missiles, FGM-148; and 33 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU) to Brazil.
The request also includes the potential purchase of:
- Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers;
- missile simulation rounds;
- Security Assistance Management Directorate technical assistance; and
- training and technical assistance.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of an important regional partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America,” the DSCA noted.
“The proposed sale will improve the Brazilian Army’s capability to meet future threats by increasing their anti-armour capacity. Brazil will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.”
This is the latest foreign military sale involving the delivery of Javelin missiles, coming just a week after the US rubberstamped a potential $300 million (AU$431 million) order from the UK.
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.
In May, the Javelin Joint Venture – a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies – was 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.
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.
[Related: US approves sale of Javelin launch units to the UK]
