The U.S. Army is awarding a contract for the Javelin missile system to the Javelin Joint Venture, consisting of Lockheed Martin (Orlando, Florida) and Raytheon Technologies (Tucson, Arizona).
The contract covers procurement and production support of the Javelin missile system for the Army, Marines, Navy and international customers. The contractual obligations are for the period 2023 to 2026, but the contract does not specify the delivery quantity or period. The base period is $1.02 billion, while the contractual ceiling is set at $7.2 billion.
The Javelin missile system is a so-called “fire-and-forget missile.” Consequently, it fixes its target before launch and then flies autonomously. The system attacks armored vehicles at a 90-degree angle from the air. However, it can also carry out direct attacks against buildings, close targets, targets under obstacles and helicopters. To this end, the Javelin Missile System is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker and a tandem warhead.
“The Army, along with industry partners, is committed to reducing the lead time for production and delivery of these systems,” said Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). This contract award, he said, is further evidence of the urgency with which the U.S. government is procuring systems and replenishing ammunition stocks.
Jonas Brandstetter, editorial staff