TUCSON, AZ, May 31, 2026 – The Raytheon–Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) has delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) to the U.S. Army. The LWCLU is compatible with past, current and future Javelin variants, while reducing size and weight and extending detection and recognition range.
The new launcher provides soldiers with twice the detection and recognition range of the legacy command launch unit. It also reduces size by 30% and weight by 25%, while supporting surveillance and day-and-night engagement capability.
“Delivering the first LWCLUs to the U.S. Army reflects the Javelin Joint Venture’s commitment to continuously advancing technology for service members,” said Jenna Hunt Frazier, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “Our investments in modernization and production capacity ensures soldiers receive this cutting-edge capability faster.”
Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernize the LWCLU factory, raise production speed and add capacity. The Arizona facility is ramping annual production in collaboration with the U.S. Army. Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida.
“The production and delivery of the LWCLU marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Javelin system for today’s warfighter,” said Rich Liccion, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Its innovative design enhances mobility and survivability while preserving the precision firepower that users rely on.”
Source: RTX
About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business segment of RTX Corp., is a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA. With origins dating to 1922 and its current structure formed through a 2020 merger, Raytheon develops technologies in missile systems, radar, space-based sensors and cybersecurity. The company supports government and commercial clients across the defense, intelligence, aerospace and space sectors. Raytheon operates alongside other RTX business units, including Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. Its capabilities include guided weapons, air defense systems, satellite payloads and secure communications.
About RTX
RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is a global aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems, products and services. It specializes in aircraft engines, avionics, cybersecurity solutions and defense systems, serving the aerospace, defense, intelligence and security sectors. With a history spanning more than a century, RTX combines expertise from its predecessor companies to support technological development. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, the company employs about 185,000 people worldwide. Its clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Airbus and Boeing. RTX supports commercial and military programs by focusing on safety, performance and efficiency, while addressing operational challenges across multiple sectors.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, MD, is an aerospace, defense, security, and technology company formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corp. and Martin Marietta. It serves the military and space sectors, including aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space programs such as the F-35 fighter jet, Patriot and THAAD defense systems, and the Orion spacecraft. The company employs about 120,000 people and operates worldwide.