Defense contractor Lockheed Martin is looking to nearly double its annual production of anti-tank Javelin missiles, though it could take "a couple of years" due to the weapons' helpfulness in Ukraine.
Javelin missiles have become a key weapon for the Ukrainian military as it defends the country from Russia's invasion, and as such, the United States has provided Ukrainian forces with more than 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems and 5,500 Javelin anti-armor systems. U.S. and Ukrainian officials are counting on Lockheed Martin, which produces the weapon along with Raytheon, to replenish depleted stockpiles, though it won't be easy.
Jim Taiclet, Lockheed Martin's president and CEO, told CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday that the company currently produces roughly 2,100 Javelins per year but is hoping to ramp that up to approximately 4,000.
TRUMP BLAMES ESPER FOR BLOCKING USE OF INSURRECTION ACT TO STOP GEORGE FLOYD PROTEST: BOOK
"That could take a number of months, maybe even a couple of years, to get there because the supply chain needs to also crank up as we do," he explained. "We think we can double capacity in a reasonable amount of time."
Despite the prolonged timeline, the contractor has already begun ramping up its efforts "because we have an active production line right now," as opposed to Raytheon, which produces Stinger missiles, and its top executive recently revealed it would face difficulties replenishing stockpiles.
President Joe Biden visited a Lockheed Martin facility in Alabama last week. Also, he has recently urged Congress to pass a new $33 billion spending bill, which includes more than $20 billion for weapons, ammunition, and other military assistance. The U.S. had designated roughly $3.8 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, the most recent of which was allocated on Friday.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
That aid from Friday will be valued at up to an additional $150 million and will provide 25,000 155 mm artillery rounds, three AN/TPQ-36 counterartillery radars, electronic jamming equipment, and field equipment and spare parts, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
The president will sign legislation allowing the administration to lend or lease weapons to Ukraine on Monday, which coincides with Russia's annual military celebration.