Unlock the costs behind the Javelin Missile System. Get a detailed breakdown of the pricing, including unit costs, production expenses, and contract values. Explore the factors influencing the Javelins price tag, from research and development to manufacturing and deployment. Discover the true cost of this advanced anti-tank missile.
The Javelin missile is a high-tech, portable, fire-and-forget missile system designed to take out enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. Developed by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin missile has become a staple in the arsenals of the US military and several other countries around the world. But have you ever wondered how much this advanced missile system costs?
Overview of the Javelin Missile System
The Javelin missile system consists of a launch tube, a missile, and a Command Launch Unit (CLU). The CLU is the brain of the operation, providing targeting data and allowing the soldier to aim the missile. The missile itself is a fire-and-forget design, meaning that once it's launched, it will track and destroy the target on its own without any further input from the soldier.
What Makes the Javelin Missile System So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of the Javelin missile system. Here are some of the key reasons:
- Advanced Technology: The Javelin missile system features cutting-edge technology, including infrared seekers, precision guidance systems, and advanced propulsion systems.
- Research and Development: The development of the Javelin missile system required significant investment in research and development, which is factored into the cost of each unit.
- Manufacturing Complexity: The Javelin missile system consists of several complex components, including the launch tube, missile, and CLU, which must be manufactured to exacting standards.
- Testing and Quality Control: Each Javelin missile system undergoes rigorous testing and quality control procedures to ensure that it meets the required standards.
Javelin Missile Cost Breakdown
Estimating the exact cost of the Javelin missile system is challenging, as the prices vary depending on the specific configuration, production lot, and other factors. However, based on publicly available data, here is a rough breakdown of the costs involved:
- Launch Tube: $100,000 - $150,000
- Missile: $150,000 - $200,000
- Command Launch Unit (CLU): $200,000 - $250,000
- Total System Cost: $450,000 - $600,000
Unit Costs Over Time
The unit cost of the Javelin missile system has fluctuated over time due to various factors, including changes in production volume, manufacturing efficiency, and procurement strategies. Here are some approximate unit costs for the Javelin missile system over the years:
- Early Production (2000s): $700,000 - $800,000 per unit
- Mid-Production (2010s): $550,000 - $650,000 per unit
- Current Production (2020s): $450,000 - $550,000 per unit
Total Program Costs
The total program cost for the Javelin missile system is estimated to be around $15 billion to $20 billion, spread over several decades. This includes the cost of development, production, testing, and maintenance, as well as procurement costs for the US military and other countries.
Program Costs Over Time
Here is a rough breakdown of the program costs for the Javelin missile system over the years:
- Development Phase (1990s-2000s): $3 billion - $5 billion
- Production Phase (2000s-2010s): $8 billion - $12 billion
- Sustainment Phase (2010s-present): $2 billion - $4 billion
Javelin Missile Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Javelin missile cost and pricing breakdown. The Javelin missile system is a complex and advanced piece of military hardware, and its cost reflects the significant investment required to develop and produce such a system.