Lockheed Martin to Increase Javelin Production Capacity
Javelin production by Lockheed Martin is to undergo a significant update to its current production line and capacity in news recently announced by the American defence manufacturer. Currently the company can produce a maximum of 2,400 missiles a year, but a new programme is set to take that number up to 3,960 by the end of 2026. By investment into utilising new tooling and test equipment into the production line by the company.
The improvements will be put to use at the newly designed continuity test station at the Pike County Production Facility in Troy, Alabama, which uses state of the art station tests for missiles and other munitions.
Rich Liccion, Javelin Joint Venture Vice President and Lockheed Martin Javelin Program Directed commented on the recent announcement:
‘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 well as this, new production data automation with SystemLink. A new digital transformation tool will be debuted that collects, processes, and analyses data automatically. From the production line in Troy. New cyber-compliant test stations are also to be added to the Pike County Production Facility, and another facility in Ocala, Florida. Allowing the production process of future Javelins to be more efficient and increased, as demand for the weapon system increases. Partly due to its heavy usage in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the additional foreign sales the conflict has driven. Current production is focused on FGM-148E and FGM-148F while the FGM-148G is under development and will feature an uncooled seeker.
On top of new systems, 14 new stations in Troy, 8 new stations in Ocala, 2 in Huntsville, Alabama are to be built to assist Javelin Quality Assurance Lot Validation Testing (QALVT). Which are to expected to be online by late 2026.