On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published the U.S. Department of State’s approval for a potential sale to Poland of a large batch of FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank guided missiles along with LWCLU launch/command units, in a package valued at up to 780 million USD (2.818 billion PLN).
Photo: Polish Ministry Of National Defence
According to the published notice, the government in Warsaw requested the ability to acquire 2,506 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and 253 LWCLU (Lightweight Command Launch Unit) launch/command units.
The package also includes the following items that are not classified as Major Defense Equipment (MDE): training ammunition and Battery Coolant Units (BCU) for launcher cooling, tool kits, spare parts, training, technical assistance from the U.S. government and the prime contractor (the Javelin joint venture formed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense), transportation, and other related logistics and program support elements.
On 13 May 2020, the Armament Agency signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense worth roughly 54.5 million USD net. As a result, the Territorial Defence Forces received 60 Command Launch Units (CLUs) and 180 FGM-148F Javelin missiles together with logistical packages (including spare parts and repair equipment) and a training package (including trainers and full-scale training aids). Instructor and operator training in Javelin operation, as well as ammunition handling and storage procedures, was also conducted.
On 31 January 2023, an addendum was signed for the delivery of another 50 Javelin Light Weight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) and approximately 500 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, together with additional logistics and training packages (Further Javelins for the Polish Armed Forces).
This means that under the initial contract and the addendum, Poland acquired 110 CLU/LWCLU launchers and roughly 680 missiles. If the complete package from today’s approval is exercised, the nominal number of launchers would increase to 363, while the number of missiles acquired would reach approximately 3,186.
The FGM-148F Javelin is a fire-and-forget ATGM fitted with a new multi-purpose warhead (MPWH) that includes a tandem-shaped charge. Its penetration is reported to be equivalent to 600–800 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA). The missile’s engagement range is from 65 m to 4,750 m. The system mass is 22.3 kg.
As part of the upgrade to the F variant, the discussed launcher/command unit LWCLU was developed. It is 30% smaller and 25% lighter while doubling target detection and recognition capabilities compared with the CLU Block I, both day and night. The LWCLU is adaptable and compatible with all current, past, and future Javelin variants.
Poland was the first country, besides the U.S. Army, to choose this variant for purchase; Lithuania, Australia, and the United Kingdom later selected it. In 2021, Thailand and Norway also ordered new missiles, although the variant was not specified (likely still FGM-148E). On 12 December 2023, Romania received approval to buy the missiles; on 11 January 2024, Kosovo; on 19 March 2024, Morocco; on 20 September 2024, Bulgaria; on 3 October 2024, Tunisia; on 23 April this year, Ireland; and on 22 May this year, Estonia. Albania, Brazil, and Latvia are expected to join them in the near future. Overall, various Javelin variants are in service with the armed forces of 24 countries, including Ukraine, where they have been delivered as military aid from the U.S. and the U.K.
Additionally, in February of this year, Lockheed Martin reported that it is in talks in India about launching local production of the system. Earlier, in October 2022, reports appeared that Poland was interested in initiating such production.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said:
“More Javelins for the Polish Armed Forces! The U.S. Department of State has granted approval for the sale to Poland of 253 launchers and more than 2,500 missiles, together with necessary training and a supply of spare parts. Javelin is an anti-tank guided missile currently in service with the Territorial Defence Forces.”
Kolejne Javeliny dla Wojska Polskiego! Departament Stanu USA🇺🇲 udzielił zgody na sprzedaż Polsce 253 wyrzutni i ponad 2,5 tysiąca pocisków, wraz z niezbędnym szkoleniem i zapasem części zamiennych. Javelin to przeciwpancerny pocisk kierowany będący na uzbrojeniu @terytorialsi… pic.twitter.com/cJs1icT19i
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) September 18, 2025
Polish Armament Agency:
“Another batch of Javelin ATGMs. We are now launching a procedure aimed at purchasing up to 2,506 FGM-148F missiles and 253 launch/command units. This will provide light infantry units with additional anti-tank capability that is already in service with the Polish Armed Forces.”
Kolejna partia ppk #Javelin.
Właśnie ruszamy z postępowaniem, którego celem będzie zakup do 2506 pocisków FGM-148F i 253 wyrzutni. Dzięki temu pododdziały lekkiej piechoty otrzymają wsparcie w postaci dodatkowej broni przeciwpancernej, będącej już na wyposażeniu #WojskoPolskie. pic.twitter.com/Ud5gPLOFK2
— Agencja Uzbrojenia (@AgencjaUzbr) September 18, 2025
