US Army reports setbacks on upgraded javelin anti-tank system

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Feb 2024 22:50

While the LW CLU did not meet its reliability requirements due to a new failure, the G-model missile is faced with developmental delays.

US soldiers execute tests on a Javelin anti-tank system (US Army)

The Office of the Director reported on Friday that the recently introduced launch unit for the upgraded US Army Javelin anti-tank missile did not meet the required reliability standards in its follow-on test and evaluation (FOT&E) assessment trials.

"The LW CLU (lightweight command launch unit) did not meet its reliability requirement during FOT&E due to a new failure that resulted in multiple system aborts," the report said.

The Javelin anti-tank missile system, a crucial component of the US Army's arsenal, is currently undergoing significant enhancements, known as the G-model missile and the LW CLU (pronounced as "clue"). The Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) says it recently executed a Limited User Test (LUT) on the LW CLU in March 2023, followed by a comprehensive FOT&E in August 2023.

While the full analysis is still ongoing, the Department of Testing and Evaluation (DOT&E) anticipates releasing a comprehensive report in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2024.

Initial findings from both the LUT and FOT&E reveal positive outcomes in terms of performance requirements. Soldiers equipped with the LW CLU demonstrated comparable or superior performance when engaging targets, as opposed to those equipped with the current Block 1 CLU.

However, despite these successes, it has been reported that the LW CLU fell short of meeting its reliability requirements during the FOT&E phase. A new failure emerged, resulting in multiple system aborts. The DOT&E is diligently examining these issues, and a thorough assessment will be provided in the upcoming report, the Office reports.

Moreover, the development of the G-model missile encountered delays due to a flight test failure in Fiscal Year 2022. The project is set to resume government-led flight and lethality testing in Fiscal Year 2024, with a focus on overcoming the setbacks experienced in the earlier stages.

The Javelin ATGM, which gained fame in Ukraine, is a portable system that engages armored vehicles at a distance of up to 2,500 meters.