US State Department approves expanded Irish Javelin purchase

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Ireland of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles and lightweight command launch units (LwCLUs), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 23 Aptil 2025.

The potential sale, which is worth an estimated USD 46 million (EUR 40.5 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Ireland has requested to buy 36 LwCLUs that will be added to a previously implemented case, the value if which was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at USD 8.7 million (USD 7.9 million in Major Defense Equipment), included 44 FGM-148 Javelin missiles. This notification is therefore for a combined total of 44 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 36 LwCLUs.

Also included in the package are missile containers; US government technical assistance; Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers; and various aspects of training, logistics and programme support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security and capabilities of Ireland to support its participation in peacekeeping missions with the United Nations and NATO’s Partnership for Peace program,” the DSCA stated, adding that the sale would
“enhance Ireland’s capability to build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defense requirements”.

The prime contractor for the FMS will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, Arizona.