Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are scaling up the Javelin missile supply chain as global demand continues to rise, with suppliers investing in capacity, tooling and infrastructure to support higher production rates, according to the companies.
The effort centres on preparing a network of nearly 100 part-level suppliers and 25 major subcontractors, covering components ranging from propulsion systems to guidance electronics. Over the past year, suppliers have completed non-recurring engineering work, including new tooling, test equipment and expanded floor space, to enable increased output.
According to the programme, each supplier has spent between eight and ten months implementing upgrades to support the planned production ramp, with increased deliveries of subcomponents expected to feed higher assembly rates later this year.
Rich Liccion, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture at Lockheed Martin, said “by engaging our suppliers early and investing strategically in capacity, we’ve been able to increase production while maintaining the quality standards our global customers expect.” He added that the approach provides confidence the supply chain can sustain an accelerated production tempo.
The ramp comes amid wider pressure on defence supply chains, with many suppliers supporting multiple high-volume programmes simultaneously. The companies say collaboration across the supplier base has been a key factor in managing capacity constraints and maintaining delivery schedules.
Jenna Hunt Frazier, president of the Javelin Joint Venture at Raytheon, said “by adopting advanced technologies like automation and AI-driven forecasting, we’re enhancing efficiency and building a resilient, future-ready supply chain.”
The programme has also introduced changes aimed at improving long-term resilience, including greater use of automation, upgraded forecasting tools to provide suppliers with real-time demand visibility, and investment in production line improvements to increase throughput.
Future plans include qualifying second sources for high-risk components to reduce reliance on single suppliers, maintaining stockpiles of critical materials, and keeping lead times for key parts below 52 weeks. The Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, is positioning the supply chain to support sustained high-rate production and potential future variants of the missile, as demand remains elevated.
“ and keeping lead times for key parts below 52 weeks”
Hmme that isn’t particularly ambitious…..can do better C-