Lockheed Martin: Javelin production capacity set to increase by over 50% by 2026

By Defence Indutry Europe

The US State Department has announced its approval for a request from the Republic of Kosovo to purchase FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. The agreement, pending a formal contract, is conducted through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure and is valued at a maximum of USD 75 million.

Lockheed Martin is upgrading its Javelin missile production line to significantly increase output and modernise operations in response to growing international demand. Current annual capacity of 2,400 missiles is set to rise to 3,960 by late 2026.

 

To support this increase, the Javelin team is implementing new tooling and testing systems, enhancing efficiency across its facilities. In May 2025, a newly designed continuity test station was introduced at the Pike County Production Facility in Troy, Alabama, replacing legacy systems and supporting readiness for higher production volumes.

“The Javelin program’s investment in new tooling and test equipment is a key factor in our ability to increase production capacity and meet the growing demand for the system,” said Rich Liccion, Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Our team’s focus on innovation and efficiency will enable us to deliver high-quality products to our customers while also driving down costs and improving overall performance.”

 

 

The updated test stations allow for more effective communication checks among missile subcomponents and include automation tools like SystemLink, which processes and analyses manufacturing data to improve decision-making and product quality. The team is also introducing a common software architecture to simplify maintenance and enhance technician training.

New cyber-compliant test stations are being installed in Troy, Ocala (Florida), and Huntsville (Alabama), increasing technological agility and production speed. “Leveraging new test station technology enables the JJV to increase Javelin production,” said Andy Amaro, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “We are committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and performance that the U.S. and allied partners expect from Javelin.”

A total of 24 new test stations are being rolled out: 14 in Troy, 8 in Ocala, and 2 in Huntsville to support quality assurance and engineering tasks. These stations will be fully operational by late 2026, ensuring all Javelin components meet performance, environmental, and functional requirements.

Key improvements include reduced test station downtime and the ability to test four seekers simultaneously, increasing throughput and production yields. These advancements are aimed at shortening delivery times and meeting urgent customer requirements worldwide.

 

 

The team is also working closely with suppliers to implement new manufacturing processes and support quality improvements, strengthening the supply chain. These collaborative efforts will help sustain output as demand continues to grow.

By expanding production and modernising its processes, Lockheed Martin plans to reduce Javelin missile lead times for both domestic and international customers. The new test stations are designed for export and cyber-compliance, facilitating co-production efforts with allied nations and supporting long-term global partnerships.

Developed by the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the Javelin system remains a key asset for U.S. and allied ground forces, providing reliable and effective anti-tank capabilities to enhance global security.

 

 

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