The U.S. Army has awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), comprising Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin, a $215 million contract to produce Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). The next-generation launcher for the Javelin weapon system will replace the legacy Block I unit while remaining compatible with current, past and future missile variants.
The award follows delivery of the first LWCLUs to the Army in May. Compared with the existing launcher, the LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter, while doubling target-detection and target-recognition capability. It supports day and night engagement and is intended to improve soldiers’ surveillance capability and operational readiness.
The Javelin system is produced jointly by Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernise the LWCLU production facility in Tucson and increase delivery capacity.
The JJV has produced more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and over 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. The Army contract announcement did not disclose the number of launchers covered, the contract period, delivery schedule or the allocation of the award between the two companies.