The award follows the first deliveries to the Army five months earlier. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit, or LWCLU, is designed to work with all past, current and future Javelin missile variants.
The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the Block I Command Launch Unit. Raytheon says it doubles target detection and recognition capability and supports surveillance and engagements by day and night.
“This contract reflects the strong partnership between industry and the Army to sustain and advance the Javelin system,” said Jenna Hunt Frazier, joint venture president and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “By modernizing our factory and strengthening our production line, we’re ensuring soldiers receive a lighter, more capable launcher that improves operational readiness across the force.”
Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, develop and produce Javelin through the joint venture. The partnership has manufactured more than 55,000 missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units.
“This achievement reflects what we can accomplish when innovation is driven by purpose and a relentless focus on the mission we support,” said Rich Liccion, joint venture vice president and Javelin program director at Lockheed Martin. The contract funds further production following the launcher’s initial delivery to the Army.
