Miles Jamison 
- The U.S. Army has received the first next-generation Javelin launch units from the Raytheon and Lockheed Martin joint venture
- The LWCLU offers longer-range targeting in a smaller and lighter design
- The new launcher is built to work with current and future Javelin variants
The Javelin Joint Venture between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units, or LWCLU, to the U.S. Army as part of ongoing modernization efforts for the Javelin weapon system.
The Army’s effort to modernize the Javelin system shows its focus on advanced combat capabilities and mission readiness. Learn more about the Army’s modernization priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Register today.
What Is the Lightweight Command Launch Unit?
RTX said Tuesday the LWCLU is a next-generation launcher designed to replace the legacy command launch unit and remain compatible with all Javelin variants. The system features advanced infrared camera technology that doubles target detection and recognition range. The new launcher, with a smaller and lighter design, supports day and night engagement operations and enhances battlefield surveillance capabilities.
How Is the Joint Venture Expanding Production?
Raytheon invested $22 million to modernize its manufacturing facility in Tucson, Arizona, with the goal of accelerating operations and expanding production capacity. The joint venture is also working with the Army to raise annual manufacturing output at the Arizona site.
The deliveries are part of the Army’s broader Javelin modernization effort, which included two contracts worth a combined $267 million awarded in 2024. The awards covered low-rate initial production and full-rate production of the LWCLU at Raytheon’s Tucson facility.
What Is the Javelin Weapon System?
Javelin is a portable anti-tank missile system designed for as a fire-and-forget weapon against targets such as armored vehicles and fortified positions. Its command launch unit provides surveillance and targeting capabilities in day, night and all-weather conditions. Javelin has been used in more than 5,000 engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq and is expected to remain in service through 2050.
