U.S. Approves $97M Javelin Launcher sale to Australia

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $97.3 million Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) and related equipment.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which delivered the required certification notifying Congress, the Australian government has requested to purchase 161 LwCLUs. These systems will be added to a previously implemented case valued at $6.3 million that fell under the congressional notification threshold.

That earlier package included Javelin Life Cycle Support and U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance.

The new notification covers the 161 launch units as well as non-Major Defense Equipment items such as Javelin LwCLU Basic Skills Trainers, missile simulation rounds, battery coolant units, electronic technical manuals, operator manuals, spare parts, tool kits, training, and associated logistics and program support. The package also includes system integration, check-out, and engineering and contractor support services.

The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. “Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the notification stated.

The sale is expected to enhance Australia’s ability to counter threats by strengthening its advanced surface-fired munitions capabilities. DSCA said the new equipment will “increase its capability to deter adversaries” and “significantly improve Australia’s contribution to coalition anti-armor capability.” The agency added that the Australian Defense Force will have no difficulty integrating the launch units and associated support into its current structure.

While the sale involves advanced fire control and missile launch technology, officials emphasized it will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The Javelin Joint Venture, made up of RTX Corporation in Arlington, Virginia, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, will serve as the principal contractors. At this time, the U.S. government is not aware of any offset agreements tied to the sale, though any such arrangements would be determined in negotiations between the Australian government and the contractors.

Implementation of the deal is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be assigned in Australia. DSCA also confirmed that the sale will not have any adverse effect on U.S. defense readiness.

The LwCLU is the primary launcher for the Javelin missile, a combat-proven anti-armor weapon system. Beyond its role as a missile launcher, the LwCLU features advanced optics that can be employed independently for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its versatility allows forces to employ the system in both anti-armor and observation roles, broadening its operational utility.

The proposed sale now moves to Congress for consideration, where lawmakers will review the notification as part of the standard Foreign Military Sales oversight process.