US State Department approves Javelin missile sale to Tunisia

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Tunisia involving Javelin missiles and related logistical support, with an estimated value of $107.7 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification to Congress, notifying them of this potential deal.

The sale includes 184 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, including four fly-to-buy missiles, as well as 30 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). Additional components of the package include system integration and check-out services, training manuals, tools, spare parts, and various types of training, such as Javelin gunner training and maintenance training. The total estimated cost of the transaction is $107.7 million.

This proposed sale is aimed at supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security interests by enhancing the capabilities of Tunisia, a key non-NATO ally that plays an active role in maintaining regional stability and participating in peacekeeping missions across Africa. The sale is expected to bolster Tunisia’s defense capacity, enabling it to better safeguard its sovereignty and meet its national defense requirements.

“The proposed sale will improve Tunisia’s long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement. The sale of Javelin missiles, known for their effectiveness in targeting armored vehicles and fortifications, aims to provide the Tunisian armed forces with improved anti-tank capabilities.

The deal, however, is not expected to alter the military balance in the region. The primary contractors involved in this sale will be the Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements associated with this sale.

Implementation of the sale will not require the deployment of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Tunisia, and there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness resulting from this proposed transfer.

Tunisia, which has maintained close security cooperation with the United States, is expected to smoothly integrate the Javelin systems into its military forces, enhancing its ability to conduct defense operations and support its broader security commitments in the region.