The British Army has conducted its first successful live-fire test using the Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), demonstrating a record 4-kilometer engagement on Salisbury Plain. The event highlighted the system’s extended range and increased effectiveness in modern battlefield scenarios.
“Today's test validates the advanced range and target detection capabilities LWCLU provides soldiers to expand the battlefield and distance them from incoming threats,” said Andy Amaro, Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) president and Javelin program director at Raytheon, an RTX business. “Partnering with the British Army on this extended range LWCLU live-fire allows us to further demonstrate the robust capability of the LWCLU and the Javelin missile.”
Raytheon’s LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the current Block I model, while offering twice the target detection and recognition performance. The system enables improved surveillance and effective engagement of targets day and night. It is fully compatible with all current, past, and future Javelin missile variants.
The United Kingdom, a core Javelin partner, supplies key components for the system. JJV expects production to reach 3,960 missile rounds annually by 2026 and 900 LWCLUs by 2030.
“This live fire exercise showcases a significant first-time event for the JJV and demonstrates that Javelin continues to mature to defeat ever-evolving threats," said Dave Pantano, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “As the JJV continues to expand our international footprint, our partnership with the British Army allows us to collaborate on next-step efforts to support their current and future modernization efforts.”
British Army Lieutenant Colonel Chris Woods, MBE, described the test as a milestone. “The successful engagement of a target at 4km today is a statement of intent. It represents a tangible demonstration of how seriously the Army is taking CGS’s direction to double fighting power by 2027. This is a world first, conducted by British Army Soldiers right here on Salisbury Plain. I am really proud of the team from DE&S, the JJV and the Parachute Regiment.”
The collaboration also reinforces the UK’s defense industrial base. At current production levels, the JJV contributes £56 million annually to the UK economy—a figure expected to rise with increased output.