Army launches market survey to improve Javelin missile

The Army is looking to address "obsolescence" issues with the Javelin anti-tank missile, according to a public announcement.

“The objective is a Javelin G-Model round capable of being mass-produced at planned production rates of at least 3,960 units per year to support U.S. and coalition partners against threats,” the announcement reads.

Issued on Sept. 15 as an engineering change proposal, the announcement requests capability statements include ways to preserve the Javelin’s mission effectiveness and reduce costs wherever applicable.

The Army isn't soliciting requests for proposals but anticipates issuing a contract for fiscal years 2024-2029, the announcement says.

Produced by Lockheed and RTX, the Javelin is a man-portable and shoulder-launched missile designed to defeat armored vehicles up to 2,500 meters. The system consists of the anti-tank missile, a disposable launch tube and a reusable command launch unit.

The Javelin’s fire-and-forget capability allows the user to reload or move to another location immediately after launching the missile.

First deployed in 1996, Javelin has had eight versions during its service and has been exported to more than 20 countries. The F-model currently serves as the missile’s manufacturing baseline.

Ukraine has received more than 10,000 Javelins during its efforts to counter a Russian invasion, according to the Defense Department.

In 2022, the Javelin G-model, the latest variant of the missile, experienced a flight test failure, according to a January 2023 report from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

The Army is expected to procure 651 Javelins during fiscal year 2024.