U.S. Army awards Javelin Joint Venture First Lightweight Command Launch Unit full-rate production contract

Rhea-AI Summary

The U.S. Army has awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totaling $267 million for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts support the U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the current Block I Command Launch Unit, while doubling target detection and recognition.

The contracts include a full-rate production contract and a second low-rate initial production contract. The LWCLU offers day and night engagement capability and is compatible with all Javelin variants. To date, the JJV has produced over 50,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. Production work will take place in Tucson, with estimated completion in 2026 and 2028.

Positive

• Secured $267 million in contracts for LWCLU production
• Achieved full-rate production status for LWCLU, potentially improving cost efficiency
• LWCLU offers 30% size reduction and 25% weight reduction compared to current model
• Doubles target detection and recognition capabilities
• Expands market with Foreign Military Sales to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Negative

• None.

The U.S. Army also awarded a second Lightweight Command Launch Unit low-rate initial production contract

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totaling $267 million for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts support U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

"With these latest Javelin contracts, we will introduce the Javelin LWCLU to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and its allies," said Andy Amaro, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon, an RTX business. "Achieving full-rate production for the LWCLU is a significant milestone that will achieve cost efficiencies, reduce risk and, most importantly, accelerate delivery times."

The Javelin LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter, while doubling target detection and recognition compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit. The LWCLU maximizes surveillance for soldiers, while offering day and night engagement capability. The LWCLU is adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants. 

"The Lightweight Command Launch Unit is a cutting-edge deterrence solution that will allow for increased mobility when it's needed most through the use of more efficient fire-and-forget technology," said Dave Pantano, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. "This full-rate production contract of LWCLU will allow the JJV to continue to provide next-generation capabilities to support global users' current and future needs."

Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon (NYSE: RTX) in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. To date, the JJV has produced more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. Production work under these contracts will take place in Tucson with estimated completion in 2026 and 2028.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

Please follow @LMNews on X for the latest announcements and news across the corporation. 

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the value of the Javelin Joint Venture's new LWCLU contracts from the U.S. Army?

The U.S. Army awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totaling $267 million for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU).

How does the new LWCLU compare to the current Block I Command Launch Unit?

The new LWCLU is 30% smaller, 25% lighter, and doubles target detection and recognition capabilities compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit.

Which countries are included in the Foreign Military Sales for the LWCLU contracts?

The contracts support Foreign Military Sales for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

When is the estimated completion date for the LWCLU production work?

The production work is estimated to be completed in 2026 and 2028.

How many Javelin missiles and Command Launch Units has the JJV produced to date?

To date, the Javelin Joint Venture has produced more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and over 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units.