First Lightweight Javelins Delivered to U.S. Army

The Javelin LWCLU provides soldiers with twice the target detection and recognition range while reducing size by 30 percent and weight by 25 percent | Image: RTX

The first Lightweight Command Launch Units for the Javelin missile system have been delivered to the U.S. Army by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX subsidiary Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

The Lightweight Command Launch Unit, or LWCLU, is intended to replace the legacy launcher used with the Javelin anti-tank missile system. According to the companies, the new launcher is compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants.

The LWCLU reduces launcher size by 30% and weight by 25% while doubling target detection and recognition range compared with the previous system. The launcher also provides day and night engagement capability for soldiers.

Raytheon said it has invested $22 million in factory modernization work at its Tucson, Arizona facility to increase production capacity and speed up manufacturing in coordination with the U.S. Army.

“The production and delivery of the LWCLU marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Javelin system for today’s warfighter,” said Rich Liccion, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Its innovative design enhances mobility and survivability while preserving the precision firepower that users rely on.”