JAVELIN

The Javelin Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M) is a significant initiative by the Army to enhance a man-portable, fire-and-forget missile system. This program focuses on improving situational awareness and precision direct-fire effects to counter armored vehicles, fortifications, and soft targets in various military operations. The system's design features a modular approach, allowing for software and hardware upgrades to adapt to evolving threats and requirements. It includes a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU), a modular missile encased in a disposable launch tube assembly, and training devices for both tactical and classroom settings.

The Javelin program aims to enhance lethality and engagement timelines while addressing emerging threats. Key developments include the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), which seeks to double target identification range and increase engagement range up to 4 kilometers while reducing soldier burden. Planned software enhancements such as Auto-Gate/Fast-Launch are intended to improve engagement timelines and counter adversary measures effectively.

Integration and Countermeasure/Threat management is another critical component of the Javelin program. This involves technical assessments, concept studies, documentation, prototypes, demonstrations, and risk mitigation efforts. These activities are designed to maintain modernized overmatch capability for U.S. and allied ground forces against peer and near-peer adversaries' countermeasures. The program's acquisition strategy involves collaboration with the Javelin Joint Venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, ensuring continuous development of software and hardware technology upgrades.

The Javelin program seeks to maintain its effectiveness against both stationary and moving targets while providing defensive capabilities against helicopters. Its adaptability for use on various platforms through the Javelin Vehicle Platform Adapter Kit (JVPAK) further underscores its versatility in modern combat scenarios. Ongoing research, development, test, and evaluation efforts aim to ensure that the Javelin remains a formidable asset in addressing current and future battlefield challenges.