British Army sets LWCLU range record

Above: The British Army tested the Javelin Joint Venture’s Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) with a live fire, setting a range record.
Copyright Raytheon UK

The 4km shot, a record distance for LWCLU, on Salisbury Plain, demonstrated its enhanced battlefield effectiveness.

Andy Amaro, Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) president and Javelin programme director at RTX’s Raytheon, said: “Today’s test validates the advanced range and target detection capabilities LWCLU provides soldiers to expand the battlefield and distance them from incoming threats.

“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, while doubling target detection and recognition compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit. The LWCLU maximises surveillance for soldiers, while offering day and night engagement capability. The LWCLU is adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants.

The UK, as a key Javelin partner, supplies components to support production, which will increase to 3,960 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 programme 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 modernisation efforts.”  

This collaboration underscores the commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence industry while equipping the British Army with state-of-the-art technology.

British Army Lt. Col. Chris Woods, MBE. “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.”

James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK said: “Manufacturing advanced capabilities like the Light Weight Command Launch Unit allow us to support UK manufacturing jobs and critically grow the UK’s industrial base.

“Raytheon UK has been a Javelin Joint Venture supplier since 2005 and has a proud legacy of supporting this critical capability. Long-standing partnerships allow us to integrate user feedback seamlessly, while streamlining manufacturing for enhanced efficiency and innovation.”

The JJV contributes £56 million per year to the UK economy at current production rates, which will grow as production rates increase.