U.S. Army Receives First Lightweight Javelin Launchers with Enhanced Range
On May 26-27, 2026, the U.S. Army received the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) for the Javelin anti-tank system from RTX and Lockheed Martin. The new launcher is 30% smaller, 25% lighter, and doubles target detection range. RTX invested $22 million to boost production, accelerated by thousands of Javelins sent to Ukraine. The British army also tested the system at a record 2.5-mile range in May 2025.
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US Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, defense contractor RTX announced on May 27, 2026. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), developed with Lockheed Martin, is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than current units, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. The system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 operational testing report confirmed integration of infrared technology. The British army successfully engaged a target at nearly 2.5 miles in May 2025 using the system. RTX has invested $22 million to upgrade production capacity. The Javelin system has been credited with helping Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion, with thousands of units sent to Ukraine accelerating modernization efforts.
Army TimesUS Army Receives First Lightweight Javelin Launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, known as the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), from defense contractor RTX. The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The delivery comes amid increased production efforts driven by U.S. support for Ukraine, which has used thousands of Javelins against Russian forces. RTX has invested $22 million to upgrade its production factory. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report noted the system incorporates new infrared technology, and the British army successfully tested the lightweight launcher at a record range of nearly 2.5 miles in May 2025.
Military TimesUS Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), from defense contractor RTX. The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed with Lockheed Martin, the system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The Pentagon's FY2025 report confirmed integration of infrared technology. The Javelin has been critical in Ukraine's defense against Russia, prompting accelerated modernization and production. RTX invested $22 million to upgrade its factory for increased output. In May 2025, the British army achieved a record live-fire engagement at nearly 2.5 miles using the system.
Army TimesUS Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), as announced by defense contractor RTX on May 27, 2026. The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system incorporates infrared technology and is compatible with existing missiles. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report confirmed the upgrades, and the British army successfully tested the system at a record range of nearly 2.5 miles in May 2025. RTX has invested $22 million to increase production output. The Javelin system has been credited with helping Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion, and thousands have been sent to Ukraine, accelerating modernization efforts.
Army TimesUS Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, defense contractor RTX announced on May 27, 2026. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than current models, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system incorporates infrared technology and is compatible with existing missiles. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report noted new training systems are being developed. The upgrade was accelerated by U.S. shipments of thousands of Javelins to Ukraine, which pushed manufacturers to boost production. RTX invested $22 million to upgrade its production factory. In May 2025, the British army successfully engaged a target at nearly 2.5 miles in a record live fire test of the lightweight system.
Defense NewsUS Army Receives First Lightweight Javelin Launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, known as the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), from defense contractor RTX. The new launcher is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous versions, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The delivery comes amid increased production efforts driven by U.S. support for Ukraine, which has used thousands of Javelins against Russian forces. RTX has invested $22 million to upgrade its production factory. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report noted the system incorporates advanced infrared technology. In May 2025, the British army successfully tested the lightweight Javelin at a record range of nearly 2.5 miles.
Military TimesUS Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, defense contractor RTX announced on May 27, 2026. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than current units, with twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system incorporates improved infrared technology and is compatible with existing missiles. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 operational testing report confirmed the upgrades. RTX invested $22 million to upgrade production facilities to increase output. The Javelin system has been credited with helping Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion, and the U.S. has sent thousands of units to Ukraine. In May 2025, the British army successfully engaged a target at nearly 2.5 miles in a record live-fire test of the lightweight system.
Defense NewsUS Army receives first lightweight Javelin launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, defense contractor RTX announced on May 27, 2026. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than current units, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report noted the new infrared technology and ongoing development of compatible training systems. RTX invested $22 million to upgrade production facilities to increase output. The Javelin system has been credited with helping Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion, and the British army successfully tested the lightweight version at a record range of nearly 2.5 miles in May 2025.
Defense NewsUS Army Receives First Lightweight Javelin Launchers
The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lighter Javelin launchers, known as the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), from defense contractor RTX. The LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models, offering twice the target detection and recognition range. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the system can be used day or night and is compatible with existing Javelin missiles. The delivery comes amid increased production efforts driven by U.S. support for Ukraine, which has used thousands of Javelins against Russian forces. RTX has invested $22 million to upgrade its production factory. The Pentagon's fiscal 2025 report noted the system incorporates new infrared technology, and the British army successfully tested the lightweight launcher at a record range of nearly 2.5 miles in May 2025.
Military TimesU.S. Army receives lighter, longer-range Javelin launcher
The Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) to the U.S. Army on May 26, 2026. The new launcher doubles target detection and recognition range compared to the legacy unit, while reducing weight by 25 percent and size by 30 percent. This modernization aims to restore the standoff advantage for infantry anti-armor teams against longer-range adversary systems. The Javelin system, in service since 1996, has been heavily used by Ukraine against Russian armor since 2022. The LWCLU reduces soldier load by approximately 3.5 pounds and improves portability for urban and vehicle-mounted operations. Officials emphasized the commitment to advancing technology for service members.
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