Lockheed Martin has awarded Aerojet Rocketdyne a $23.8-million contract to extend the propulsion unit supply of Javelin missiles for two years.
Javelins are shoulder-deployed, fire-and-forget, anti-armor weapon systems that can lock onto targets after launch, enabling warfighters to counterfire and take cover during combat.
The missile platform was initially developed for the US Army and Marine Corps through a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Since the 2000s, Rocketdyne has been producing integrated launch and flight motors to propel the Javelin. The company has also facilitated several upgrades to increase the missile’s range.
The Javelin program produces systems for the US joint forces and over 20 allied countries through foreign military sales.
“Aerojet Rocketdyne has powered more than 50,000 Javelin missiles since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago,” Aerojet Rocketdyne President and CEO Eileen Drake stated.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver the motors for this proven and reliable system that protects our warfighters, allies and strategic partners.”
Recent Javelin Projects in the US
In May, Lockheed and Raytheon received a $7.2-billion contract to provide US defense with Javelins.
The agreement will distribute Javelin systems to the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and allies through 2026.
In July 2022, Lockheed upgraded the Javelin missile to its latest version, which features a more lethal capability “against lightly armored targets and personnel.”
The same year, the company announced it would ramp up the anti-tank system’s production to address stock requirements of the US military as well as future donations to Ukraine.