Janice R. Andrews
An important new development is that the US Army has given a large new order to make FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank rockets. This deal, which is worth more than a billion dollars, will not only add to the United States’ arsenal, but it will also help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion. Making and sending more Javelins, which are very important in Ukraine’s fight, shows that the U.S. is still committed to protecting its friends and keeping the world safe.
The Joint Venture for Javelin
The new deal was given to the Javelin Joint Venture, which is a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies, two of the biggest defence companies in the world. The $1.3 billion order is the biggest single-year production deal for the Javelin system to date. It expands both production capability and cooperation between countries in the defence industry.
Javelin is a high-tech anti-tank rocket that can be carried easily and has been very important in many military actions, especially in Ukraine. As the need for this weapon grows around the world, the U.S. Army wants to make more of them so that partners like Ukraine have enough to protect themselves.
A follow-up to a contract signed in 2023
The most recent deal builds on what the Javelin Joint Venture and the U.S. government agreed to in May 2023. The partnership got an indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract as part of that deal. This meant that production could be adjusted based on demand around the world. With this follow-up deal, production will go up by a huge amount to meet the needs of the US and its partners as they grow.
Increasing production every year
Increasing the number of Javelin rockets being made is one of the main goals of the new deal. The Joint Venture wants to make 3,960 units per year by 2026. This is a big jump that shows how important the weapon is becoming on the world stage. The high demand is because the Javelin did so well during Russia’s attack of Ukraine. It was one of the world’s best anti-tank weapons deployed during that time.
A System Tried and True in Battle
Because it works so well, the Javelin is known as the best anti-armor weapon system in the world. Andy Amaro, President and Raytheon Programme Director of the Javelin Joint Venture, talked about how important the device is for modern warfare. Amaro said, “Javelin is now more than ever known as the world’s most effective and battle-proven anti-armor weapon system.”
The weapon is very useful for ground troops all over the world because of its special features, like its fire-and-forget targeting system and ability to go through current tank armour. With this new deal, the Javelin Joint Venture will keep making and sending these very important weapons to armed troops around the world.
Production Scale and Reach Around the World
The Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon has a great track record of sending Javelin weapons all over the world. The company says it has made more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 reused command launch units for more than 25 users around the world. This huge world footprint shows how important it is to increase production to meet the needs of both new and old customers.
Vice President of the Javelin Joint Venture and Lockheed Martin Javelin Programme Director Dave Pantano said, “With more people around the world wanting to buy Javelins, it’s more important than ever that we can increase production to meet the needs of our Army customer and other users around the world.” The new deal shows how mission-focused the weapon is and how well it can protect against newly emerging dangers.
Ukraine is going to get a big shipment.
Ukraine is one of the main countries that will benefit from this deal. As part of the new production ramp-up, the troubled country will get about 4,000 new Javelin missiles. This influx of weapons is likely to make it much harder for Ukraine to protect itself against Russian troops, who have invaded using armoured vehicles in large numbers.
Along with HIMARS and the Stinger missile system, the Javelin system was one of the three most important weapons that changed the course of the war for Ukraine. Ukrainian troops have been able to defeat Russian armoured units with the shoulder-fired Javelin, which can be carried by one person.
What Will Change the Game in Ukraine’s Defence?
Over 10,000 Javelin missiles and hundreds of command launch units have been sent to Ukraine by the US since the invasion began. These weapons have been very helpful in slowing down Russian progress and are said to have helped destroy hundreds of Russian tanks.
CNN’s Brad Lendon said earlier this year, “The Ukrainians needed something that could stop that attack, and they found it in the Javelin, a shoulder-fired, guided anti-tank missile that can be used by a single person.”
A Good Deal for Defence
The $1.3 billion deal that was given to the Javelin Joint Venture is just the start. According to several news sources, the partnership could make up to $7.2 billion by making more rockets from now until 2026. This new deal shows how the Javelin system is becoming more important in global defence plans and how it helps American and partner troops.
The new deal given to the Javelin Joint Venture is a very important step in helping Ukraine’s defence efforts as it continues to fight back against Russian attacks. Making more Javelin missiles will not only help the US and its allies build up their arsenals, but it will also give Ukraine the tools it needs to protect its own borders. This deal strengthens the Javelin’s position as one of the most powerful anti-tank weapons in modern fighting and shows that the U.S. is committed to arming its partners.
