Annex 1
Written Ministerial Statement
LIGHT FORCES' ANTI-TANK GUIDED WEAPONS (LF
ATGWS)
The Ministry of Defence has selected the JAVELIN
weapon system, produced by a joint venture of Raytheon and Lockheed
Martin, as the preferred solution to the requirement for a new
Light Forces' Anti-Tank Guided Weapon. This follows a rigorous
and comprehensive assessment phase, which included comparative
live-firing trials between JAVELIN and the SPIKE system (offered
by Rafael and MBDA). Taking all of these factors into account,
JAVELIN provides the best overall solution to our LF ATGW requirement
in terms of risk, affordabilty, operational effectiveness and
value for money.
JAVELIN, which is already in service with the
United States Army, will provide the British Army with a significantly
improved capability when it replaces the existing MILAN system.
The weapon system is highly manoeuvrable, man-portable and is
capable of destroying the most advanced tanks and armoured vehicles
at ranges up to 2.5km.
The contract, subject to satisfactory conclusion
of negotiations, will be placed shortly. It will be worth over
£300 million and is expected to create or sustain over 300
jobs across the United Kingdom in a diverse range of manufacturing
companies.
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