US approves Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit sale to Australia

A mock-up of the Javelin LWCLU. (Janes/Amael Kotlarski)

The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) to Australia.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 19 August that the deal is estimated to be worth USD97.3 million and will feature the sale of 161 LWCLUs.

According to the DSCA, the deal will also cover a Javelin LWCLU basic skills trainer; missile simulation rounds and battery cooling unit (BCU); electronic technical manual and operator manuals; life-cycle support; physical security inspection; spare parts; System Integration and Check Out; US government and contractor technical assistance, engineering, logistics, and personnel services; tool kits; training; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. It added that Congress has been notified about the potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

The DSCA said, “The proposed sale will enhance Australia's capability to meet current and future threats by improving its advanced surface-fired munitions capabilities and increasing its capability to deter adversaries.

“This enhanced capability will protect Australia and local allied land forces, and will significantly improve Australia's contribution to coalition anti-armour capability,” the DSCA added.

The prime contractor is the Javelin Joint Venture, a company owned by RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin.

The LWCLUs will support the operations of the Australian Army's in-service Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. The Australian Army has been operating the Javelin ATGM since 2005 and procured additional units through the years. The latest procurement includes a deal worth USD100 million in 2024 with the US to deliver 350 Javelin ATGMs to the Australian Army.

According to Janes Weapons: Infantry