Ireland’s proposed $46 million acquisition of FGM-148 Javelin missiles and lightweight command launch units and related services has received approval from the U.S. Department of State. Lockheed Martin and RTX’s Javelin Joint Venture will be the primary contractor for both orders.
The order was originally divided into two Foreign Military Sales transactions, with the acquisition of 36 LwCLUs to be added to the original FMS covering the delivery of 44 Javelin missiles. Under the combined deal, Dublin is also ordering several non-major defense equipment, including missile containers, U.S. government technical assistance and training support.
The Javelin weapon system is a shoulder-fired anti-armor solution that uses missiles that automatically guide themselves to the target after launch.
According to the U.S. Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, the State Department has determined that the deal aligns with the United States’ foreign policy and national security goals, and that the two military technologies will help the European nation build its long-term defense capabilities.
With the country improving its military force, the Irish Department of Defense and Airbus signed an agreement in January to acquire four H145M helicopters. Lt. Gen. Seán Clancy, chief of staff of the Irish Defence Forces, said the deal will “serve as a critical enabler” of its armed forces.