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The US State Department has approved the sale of approximately $153 million in Javelin missiles to the governments of Thailand and Georgia.
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Thailand has ordered 300 Raytheon/Lockheed Martin-built Javelin FGM-148 missiles and 50 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU) for an estimated US$83.5 million ($113 million) via a foreign military sales agreement.
The order includes missile simulation rounds, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) technical assistance, and Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) project office technical assistance.
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO Ally in south-east Asia,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The Javelin Weapon System is set to replace the obsolete 106mm Recoilless Rifles, currently in service with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) — acquired as part of the Military Assistance Program (MAP) from the Vietnam era.
This is expected to strengthen the Army’s anti-tank capability and maintain its current force posture, while also enhancing interoperability with the US.
“Thailand is a strategic partner committed to contributing to regional security,” the DSCA added.
“The proposed sale will improve Thailand’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving Thailand’s long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Meanwhile, Georgia has ordered 82 Javelin FGM-148 missiles and 46 Javelin CLUs for approximately US$30 million ($40 million).
The deal also includes missile simulation rounds, SAMD technical assistance, and TAGM project office technical assistance.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Georgia, which is a strategic partner and a key contributor to security and stability the region,” the DSCA stated.
“The Javelin system will help Georgia build its long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defence requirements.
“The proposed sale will improve Georgia’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its anti-armour capacity.”
[Related: Israel procures King Stallion helicopters]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
