Update: US approves possible Javelin sale to Ireland

A Javelin anti-tank missile being fired at the Irish Defence Forces' Infantry School. (Infantry School, Defence Forces Training Centre, Irish Defence Forces)

The US Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles, Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs), and related equipment to Ireland for an estimated cost of USD46 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in a press release on 23 April.

The Irish government has requested 36 LWCLUs after previously having requested 44 FGM-148 Javelin missiles. The package also includes missile containers, US government technical assistance, Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers, training, and other related logistics and programme support.

The DSCA said the proposed FMS would support US foreign policy and national security by improving Ireland's security and capabilities in support of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions and NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme. The agency added that the proposed sale would improve Ireland's capability to build its long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet national defence requirements. The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, according to the DSCA.

The prime contractor will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin and RTX.

For more information on Irish defence procurement plans, please see Ireland publishes latest Equipment Development Plan .

This article, originally published on 24 April 2025, has been updated with new imagery.