Javelin missile expands global reach with $900 million US army contract

The Javelin anti-tank missile system is taking another step toward cementing its place as one of the world’s most widely adopted precision weapons.

According to an analysis by Army Recognition, Lockheed Martin announced on September 3, 2025, that the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV)—a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon—has secured a new US Army production contract worth $900.5 million.

The deal covers not only the delivery of missiles, associated equipment, and services but also includes Foreign Military Sales (FMS), with Brazil and Tunisia set to receive the system for the first time. This expansion brings the Javelin to South America and North Africa, underscoring both its operational success and rising global demand.

The agreement builds upon an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract originally awarded in May 2023. In response to growing requirements from the US military and its allies, JJV has introduced new tools and testing equipment this year to boost efficiency and raise production rates. The extension highlights the mounting pressure on Western defence supply chains to meet the needs of partner nations facing evolving threats.

At the core of this demand is the FGM-148 Javelin itself—a man-portable, infrared-guided missile designed for single-soldier operation. Its reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU), weighing just 6.4 kilograms, pairs with an 11.8-kilogram missile capable of penetrating advanced armor systems, including tanks protected with explosive reactive armor.

With a top-attack trajectory that targets the vulnerabilities of armoured vehicles, an effective range of up to 4,000 meters—and even 4,750 meters from vehicle launchers—the Javelin has proven its versatility not only against tanks but also fortifications, buildings, light naval vessels, and even helicopters. Its track record in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine has only bolstered its reputation.

Executives from both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon stressed the system’s continued relevance. Brian Burton, Raytheon’s vice president of Precision Fires and Maneuver, underlined the Javelin’s role in modern combat operations and praised close collaboration with the US Army and international customers.

Similarly, Rich Liccion, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, highlighted customer trust in the system’s reliability and the joint venture’s ability to scale up production.

This latest contract not only secures supply for Brazil and Tunisia but also supports deliveries to NATO allies such as Estonia and Bulgaria, as well as partners in the Indo-Pacific like Australia.

To date, more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 reusable launch units have been produced, jointly manufactured in Tucson, Arizona (Raytheon), and Orlando, Florida (Lockheed Martin). With this milestone, the Javelin is now fielded on every continent except Antarctica.

By securing new international customers and adapting its production infrastructure, the Javelin Joint Venture is not only expanding the system’s global footprint but also shaping the response to a world where demand for combat-proven, versatile, and modern anti-tank weapons continues to rise.

By Sabina Mammadli