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The Javelin is a popular American shoulder missile used by militaries for anti-armor purposes. Recently, the US military has reaffirmed its commitment to the weapon by purchasing another $1.3 billion worth of these anti-tank missiles from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. This latest order follows the massive $7.2 billion agreement signed with the firms in May 2023.
The Javelin is a highly advanced and versatile anti-tank missile system developed to destroy heavily armored targets, such as tanks, from a significant distance. It is a portable, shoulder-fired missile system, designed to be operated by a single soldier, making it highly mobile and adaptable to various combat situations. Its “fire-and-forget” capability allows it to autonomously guide itself to the target using its onboard infrared seeker, and its tandem-charge warhead is designed to penetrate advanced reactive armor used on modern tanks. The Javelin has been used for years in conflict, including the Iraq War and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
While the exact number of missiles covered by this follow-on order was not disclosed, the increase aligns with Lockheed Martin’s plans to ramp up production. In 2022, Lockheed Martin announced it would boost Javelin missile production due to rising demand driven by the Ukraine conflict. Since then, production has increased to 2,400 missiles per year, reflecting a 15 percent rise from the previous year. Looking ahead, the company plans to further escalate production to 3,960 missiles annually by 2026, according to The Defense Post. Lockheed Martin attributes this expansion to new tooling, improved production efficiency, and enhanced supply chain partnerships.
Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) President Andy Amaro emphasized that this additional order highlights the Javelin’s esteemed reputation as a highly effective and combat-proven anti-armor weapon. “Through this contract, we will continue to produce and deliver this essential capability to support global ground forces in their efforts to protect and defend their interests and sovereignty,” Amaro said.
According to Dave Pantano, Vice President of JJV, the Javelin’s “mission-focused” capabilities ensure that military customers remain prepared and effective in countering evolving threats. The increased production and continued investment in the Javelin missile system underscore its critical role in modern anti-armor operations and the US Army’s strategic priorities.
