Javelin missile clears UK ground vehicle tests

During UK ground vehicle launch tests, the Javelin Joint Venture team successfully demonstrated the Javelin missile’s ability to engage targets beyond its current 2.5km range, Raytheon announced on 15 June.

The Javelin Joint Venture is a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The live-fire tests confirmed the reliability rate of the Javelin and demonstrated its capability to engage targets from greater standoff distances on different platforms.

The five tests were conducted for the British Army at the Salisbury Plain Training Area in Wiltshire, England. During the tests, the missiles were mounted on a Spartan armoured fighting vehicle and fired through the Kongsberg M151 Remote Weapon Station. Each missile flew between 1.2km and 4.3km.

John Halvey, president of the Javelin Joint Venture, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Javelin’s effectiveness in this demonstration enables mounted infantry to confidently engage targets at ranges that surpass other weapons in this class. This range, coupled with vehicle integration, enhances overmatch for mounted infantry units.’

Rich Benton, vice president, Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin programme director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘These successful ground tests validate Javelin’s long-range engagement capability. These tests also reinforce Javelin’s maturity and readiness for deployment from vehicles and other platforms.’