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The United States has approved a potential sale of Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units and associated equipment to Australia, in a deal valued at an estimated US$97.3 million (AU$150 million).
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed the approval and notified Congress, clearing the way for the acquisition.
Under the proposal, Australia will purchase 161 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU), along with training systems, spare parts, support equipment and technical services. The package also includes Javelin basic skills trainers, missile simulation rounds, electronic and operator manuals, life cycle support, security inspection and system integration and check-out services.
The units will be added to an earlier foreign military sales case, originally valued at US$6.3 million, which included life cycle support and technical assistance but did not require congressional notification.
Washington said the sale would strengthen one of its closest Indo-Pacific allies, reinforcing shared security interests.
“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the US State Department said in its approval. “It is in the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”
The Javelin system is a portable, anti-armour weapon widely used by the US and allied forces. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit is a newer, more advanced version of the system’s targeting and fire-control device, improving situational awareness and reducing weight for troops in the field.
The proposed sale is expected to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to deter potential threats by boosting its surface-fired munitions capability. It will also increase interoperability with coalition forces and strengthen Australia’s contribution to combined anti-armour operations.
The primary contractors for the deal will be the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) and Lockheed Martin. No offset agreements have been outlined at this stage.
The US government said the sale would not alter the military balance in the region nor would it require additional US personnel to be stationed in Australia.
