US orders production of Javelin missiles worth $1.3 billion: How many they plan to transfer to Ukraine
Javelin anti-tank missile systems (photo: Getty Images)
Major companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have received a $1.3 billion contract from the US Army for the production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. A portion of these missiles is to be supplied to Ukraine as part of defense aid, report Voice of America and RTX.
The US Army has awarded a contract for the production of Javelin missiles for the 2024 fiscal year to Javelin Joint Venture (JJV). The contract, valued at $1.3 billion, also includes associated equipment and services.
This is currently the largest single-year contract for Javelin production and is part of a long-term indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement originally signed in May of last year.
According to a statement from the joint venture, JJV began ramping up production last year to increase Javelin All Up Round (AUR) production to 3,960 units per year by the end of 2026.
Voice of America reports that over 4,000 Javelin missiles from this contract will be sent by the US to Ukraine to replenish the Ukrainian Armed Forces' stockpile of this weaponry.
Production of Javelins and their transfer to Ukraine
The Javelin missile system was developed and produced by Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a collaboration between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida.
To date, JJV has manufactured over 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable command launch units.
These missiles are a key component of the majority of US defense aid packages.
For instance, the US package announced on August 23 for Ukraine includes over 10,000 Javelin anti-tank systems.
Additionally, it was reported earlier in 2023 that the Pentagon plans to modernize its facilities to accelerate the production of Javelin and Stinger missiles.
