US Army Awards $215M Contract for Lightweight Javelin Launchers 

The US Army has awarded the Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) a $215-million contract to produce Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) for Javelin missiles.

Compared with the current Block 1 Command Launch Unit, the next-generation LWCLU is 30 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter, while doubling target detection and recognition ranges in day and night conditions.

The launcher is compatible with all Javelin variants, including future models.

The award follows the JJV’s delivery of the first LWCLUs to the US Army in May 2026.

“This contract reflects the strong partnership between industry and the Army to sustain and advance the Javelin system,” JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon Jenna Hunt Frazier said.

“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.”

Javelin Missile

The man-portable Javelin is a fire-and-forget anti-tank system designed to engage armored vehicles and fortified positions at ranges of 65 meters (213 feet) to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

It uses a top-attack trajectory, climbing before striking a target’s more vulnerable upper armor. Its soft-launch design allows troops to fire the missile safely from enclosed spaces, including buildings and bunkers.

The Command Launch Unit enables gunners to detect and identify targets in poor visibility before launch. According to RTX, the missile can also be launched remotely from an uncrewed ground vehicle.

Weighing approximately 15.9 kilograms (35 pounds), the system can be operated by a single soldier. It gained widespread recognition through its use by Ukrainian forces against Russian armored vehicles and is also fielded by the US military and more than two dozen international customers.