Localisation is the aim of the game in defence procurement
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
Norway is receiving more Javelin ATGMs from the US (pictured in a June 2020 firing exercise in Iraq are soldiers from the Telemark Battalion). (Photo: US Army/Spc Derek Mustard)
The Raytheon/Lockheed Martin JV manufacturing the Javelin ATGM is to supply the anti-tank missiles for four FMS customers, the DoD revealed on 12 May.
Recipients will include Albania, Latvia, Norway and Thailand.
Work on the $71.41 million contract modification from the US Army will be carried out in Tucson, Arizona, for completion by 28 February 2025.
Norway already operates Javelin but requested 122 more missiles via the FMS programme in March 2021.
The sale of 300 Javelins to Thailand was approved in August 2021.
The FGM-148 Javelin system fires a self-guided round and allows for rapid reloading. With a range of up to 4,000m, the ATGM incorporates a low-signature missile launch and fly out capability. Apart from the US military, Javelin is in service with 19 allied countries.
Ukraine has received about one-third of the US Javelin stockpile, Republican senator Roy Blunt said on 3 May amid concerns of US stocks being sharply eroded and difficult to replace.
Javelins are assembled by Lockheed Martin at a facility in Alabama. CEO Jim Taiclet said in a CBS interview on 8 May that the company can ramp up production of the ATGM from 2,100 currently to 4,000 per year in future, partly in response to demand from Ukraine.
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.
A growing push towards increasing mobility and lethality across forces can be seen in recent contracts and modernisation efforts, with advancing mortar technology playing an integral role in modern warfare.
As Ireland looks to replace its RG32M 4x4 armoured patrol vehicles and Piranha III 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, a reported deal with France would rule out other European platforms that were being considered.
The US Army is seeking a mature 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled capability to replace the towed M777 howitzer in the Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as it targets a potential 498-unit acquisition goal.
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.