RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), through its Javelin Joint Venture, completed the first delivery of Lightweight Command Launch Units to the U.S. Army on May 26, 2026.
The Javelin Joint Venture is a partnership between Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), combining the capabilities of both defense contractors.
The next-generation Lightweight Command Launch Unit reduces size by 30% and weight by 25% compared to its predecessor, effectively replacing legacy command launch units currently in service.
The new system also doubles the target detection range, representing a significant operational upgrade for U.S. Army personnel who deploy the Javelin missile system in the field.
Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernize its Tucson factory in order to increase production capacity and meet anticipated demand for the new units.
On the same day as the LWCLU delivery, Raytheon was awarded a DARPA Phase 2 contract tied to its Burn n’ Go program, which focuses on engineering composable solid rocket motors.
Unlike traditional single-use hardware, the composable solid rocket motor design allows thrust to be adjusted on demand, enabling the technology to serve multiple missile platforms simultaneously.
The Burn n’ Go program aims to resolve critical manufacturing bottlenecks and speed up production timelines across Raytheon’s missile and defense portfolio.
Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will lead the effort alongside Northrop Grumman’s Allegany Ballistic Laboratory and Luna Innovations as key program partners.
Founded in 1922, RTX Corporation is a major player in the global aerospace and defense industry, providing systems and services to commercial, military, and government clients worldwide.
The Virginia-based company operates through three primary business segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney, and Raytheon, spanning a broad range of defense and aviation capabilities.
