US Army Receives First Lightweight Javelin Launchers
The new launcher cuts size by 30% and weight by 25% while doubling detection and recognition range, the companies said.
- On May 26, the Javelin Joint Venture delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units to the U.S. Army from Tucson, Arizona, offering soldiers twice the target detection and recognition range while reducing weight by 25% and size by 30%.
- Demand for Javelin systems surged as more than 10,000 units were transferred to Ukraine in recent years, straining production lines and depleting U.S. stockpiles that required replenishment through the Defense Department's $33 million contract signed in June 2022.
- Modern infrared camera technology enables faster target detection, with range expanding from 1.5 miles to just over 2.5 miles once the new G-model missile arrives; Raytheon invested $22 million to increase production capacity at the Tucson facility.
- Pentagon testing confirmed software issues are resolved, clearing urgent fielding in the second quarter of fiscal 2026; backward compatibility with all Javelin missile variants eliminates mixed-fleet complications across Army units.
- Whether the LWCLU could eventually supply Ukraine remains uncertain with no official indications; despite competition from FPV drones displacing anti-armor roles, U.S. officials indicated in 2022 the Javelin would remain useful for another 30 years despite missile costs exceeding $200,000 per unit.
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17 Articles
US Army Receives Its First Batch of New Lighter Javelin Launchers
Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date. The US Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers. Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, the Javelin is a portable, shoulder-f…
Army Times
US Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, defense contractor RTX announced in a statement Tuesday, the most recent development for the guided missile system credited with helping Ukraine stave off Russia’s initial invasion. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit, LWCLU, will replace the older, heavier command units and offer improved target detection range, the company said in a statement, adding that it is rampi…
Javelin’s New Lightweight Launcher Arrives After Ukraine Made the Weapon Famous
The US Army has received the first lightweight launch units for the Javelin anti-tank missile system, marking a new stage in the modernization of one of the world’s most recognizable tank-killing weapons. The Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX’s Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units, or LWCLU, according to a press release from RTX on May 26. The companies did not disclose additional deta…
Breaking Defense
ussanews.comRaytheon, Lockheed deliver first next-gen Javelin launchers to Army
The new launcher incorporates modern infrared camera technology that allows for easier and faster target detection and is smaller and lighter than the legacy unit.
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