Contract for 2,100 Missiles Awarded to Javelin Joint Venture

The Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Joint Venture announced on 30 January that it has been awarded a contract for 2,100 F-model JAVELINs (FGM-148F), following a rigorous system qualification test programme that included 21 successful flight tests. The contract launches the initial full-rate production agreement for the JAVELIN F-model, replacing the JAVELIN FGM-148E (Block I).

The FGM-148F missile features an advanced multipurpose warhead (MPWH) as part of the man-portable, fire-and-forget JAVELIN missile system. The MPWH incorporates the latest generation shaped-charged technology to defeat present and future advanced armoured threats, while adding a fragmenting steel warhead case to significantly improve lethality against soft targets and light armoured vehicles. F-model deliveries are planned for early 2020 and will be available for international allies, with US government approval.

There are also funded efforts underway to develop a higher performance Lightweight Command Launch Unit (CLU) and FGM-148G missile that will dramatically improve system performance while reducing weight and lowering system cost.

First deployed in 1996, JAVELIN is the world’s most versatile and lethal one-man-portable and platform-employed anti-tank and multi-target precision weapon system. To date, more than 45,000 missiles and 12,000 CLUs have been produced. The JAVELIN weapon system has experienced numerous technology insertions since its initial fielding to stay ahead of advancing threats.

JAVELIN, produced by a joint venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, has been used extensively and to great advantage in combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Over 5,000 engagements have been successfully conducted by US and coalition forces. Current nations with JAVELIN in inventory include Australia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The Javelin Joint Venture is an award-winning enterprise recognized in 2015 by the Office of the US Secretary of Defense for its outstanding achievements in providing operational support to combat forces with the highest level of mission success and tactical operational readiness.