Lockheed Martin is making sweeping upgrades to its Javelin production line as part of an ambitious plan to increase output and modernize processes, aiming to meet rising demand from U.S. and allied militaries worldwide.
The defense contractor currently produces about 2,400 Javelin missiles per year, but that number is set to climb to 3,960 annually by late 2026. The expansion requires significant innovation across its facilities to ensure the system continues to meet operational and quality expectations.
In a statement, Rich Liccion, Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, said, “The Javelin program’s investment in new tooling and test equipment is a key factor in our ability to increase production capacity and meet the growing demand for the system. Our team’s focus on innovation and efficiency will enable us to deliver high-quality products to our customers while also driving down costs and improving overall performance.”
As part of the effort, Lockheed Martin has introduced advanced tooling and state-of-the-art test equipment at its Pike County Production Facility in Troy, Alabama. In May, the company unveiled its first redesigned continuity test station for Javelin missiles and rounds, replacing older systems to improve production flow.
This technology ensures that interconnected subcomponents of the Javelin missile communicate correctly, reinforcing product integrity as production scales up.
The company is also deploying SystemLink, a new digital tool that automates data collection and analysis from manufacturing processes, enabling faster decision-making and quality control across its facilities in Troy and Ocala, Florida.
The upgrades extend beyond tooling. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, partners in the Javelin Joint Venture, are collaborating with suppliers to strengthen the production chain and integrate advanced manufacturing technologies.
Andy Amaro, Javelin Joint Venture president and Javelin program director at Raytheon, said, “Leveraging new test station technology enables the JJV to increase Javelin production. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and performance that the U.S. and allied partners expect from Javelin.”
In total, 14 new test stations are planned for Troy, eight for Ocala, and two for Huntsville, Alabama. These cyber-compliant systems will enhance validation and testing of Javelin’s environmental, functional, and performance requirements.
One notable improvement includes a new test station capable of evaluating four Javelin seekers simultaneously, a sharp increase from the current single-seeker testing capability. This innovation alone is expected to drive down downtime and accelerate deliveries.
With global conflicts intensifying, the Javelin missile remains a critical component of Western defense strategies. Known for its proven anti-tank capabilities, the Javelin system has been fielded by U.S. forces and more than 20 allied nations.
Lockheed Martin noted that the expanded production line will reduce missile backlogs and shorten lead times for customers worldwide. Additionally, the standardized design of the new test stations opens opportunities for international co-production, enabling U.S. allies to work with in-country industrial partners.
The company highlighted that such efforts would not only support military readiness but also drive job creation and economic benefits in partner nations.
Javelin is developed and produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, and Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona.