- The US Army signed a $1.3 billion follow-on contract for more Javelin portable anti-tank missiles.
- It's the largest single-year Javelin contract, adding to last year's deal worth up to $7.2 billion.
- Javelin production has increased amid US commitments to both Ukraine and Taiwan.
The US is increasing its already massive, multibillion-dollar contract for more Javelin portable anti-tank missiles.
The new contract, announced last week by Lockheed Martin, is a $1.3 billion follow-on order to last year's massive deal worth up to $7.2 billion, which the US Army made jointly with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in May 2023 and said would run through 2026.
The order comes as demand for Javelin weapons increases, not only across the US military but also its international partners, such as Ukraine and Taiwan.
The $1.3 billion order is the largest single-year Javelin production contract to date, per Lockheed Martin's press release. It also demonstrates the weapon's reputation across the US Army and its international allies, Andy Amaro, president of the Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin program director at Raytheon, noted.
"Through this contract, we will continue to produce and deliver this needed capability to support global ground forces in their efforts to protect and defend their interests and sovereignty," Amaro said.
The JJV didn't provide further details on the number of Javelin missiles included in the contract.
The Javelin is a man-portable, over-the-shoulder, medium-range missile system designed to target armored vehicles and tanks. Its fire-and-forget principle allows the launcher to lock onto a target, meaning the operator doesn't need to guide the missile after it's been fired. The portability and capability make it a highly desired weapon, useful in a variety of contexts and situations.
Part of the need for the follow-on order is "the increased demand for Javelin worldwide," Dave Pantano, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, said.
Back in 2022, Lockheed Martin announced a ramp-up in production of Javelin missiles amid the Ukraine war, as the US shipped thousands of Javelin weapons to Kyiv. Over the past two years, it has seen a 15% increase in production, up to 2,400 missiles annually. By 2026, Lockheed Martin hopes to produce 3,960 Javelins a year.
Beyond the need the replenish US stockpiles that are running low because of the Ukraine war, the US also has a commitment to send Javelins to Taiwan. In Taiwan's case, the portable, anti-tank missiles could be useful for deterring a potential Chinese blockade or invasion.