Tunisia has secured its place among operators of the advanced Javelin anti-tank missile system through a recent US Army contract extension valued at $900.5 million, marking a step forward in modernising its ground forces amid persistent regional instabilities. Announced in early September 2025 by the Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, this agreement builds on a prior deal from May 2023 and incorporates foreign military sales to several nations, including first-time recipients Brazil and Tunisia. For Tunisia, the inclusion represents an upgrade to its anti-armour arsenal, enabling infantry units to counter armoured threats more effectively in a landscape shaped by border vulnerabilities and terrorist activities. The contract also extends deliveries to established users such as Australia, Bulgaria, and Estonia, underscoring the system’s expanding global footprint now covering every continent.
The Javelin, formally designated as the FGM-148, stands as a portable, shoulder-fired weapon designed to neutralise tanks, fortified positions, and low-flying helicopters with precision. Developed in the 1990s by the joint venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, it employs a fire-and-forget mechanism, allowing the operator to seek cover immediately after launch while the missile autonomously guides itself to the target via infrared imaging. This capability stems from a tandem warhead that defeats reactive armour through an initial charge, followed by a main explosive that penetrates the hull. The system engages threats at distances ranging from 65 meters to 4 kilometres, with a top-attack mode that exploits the thinner armour on vehicle roofs for maximum lethality. Weighing 25 pounds and measuring 42.6 inches in length, the missile pairs with a reusable Command Launch Unit weighing about 14 pounds, which doubles as a standalone thermal sight for surveillance. The unit provides 4x optical magnification in visible light and up to 12x in thermal imaging, functioning reliably in smoke, dust, or darkness. Combat records from US deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Ukrainian forces against Russian armour since 2022, demonstrate its effectiveness in asymmetric warfare. Brian Burton, vice president of precision fires and manoeuvre at Raytheon, noted that the Javelin “remains the world’s most effective, combat-proven anti-armour system.” Rich Liccion, the joint venture’s vice president and Lockheed Martin’s Javelin program director, added that surging international interest necessitates ramped-up manufacturing, with new tooling and testing implemented earlier in 2025 to boost output.
For Tunisia, the acquisition stems from a US State Department approval in December 2024 for a $107.7 million package, now folded into the broader Army contract. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the potential sale, which encompasses 184 FGM-148F missiles—including four for testing—along with 30 Lightweight Command Launch Units. Additional elements cover simulation rounds, integration testing, technical manuals, training for operators, gunners, ammunition officers, and maintainers, plus spare parts and logistical support. Deliveries are anticipated to commence in the coming months, positioning Tunisia as North Africa’s inaugural Javelin user and enhancing its interoperability with NATO partners. The FGM-148F variant, an evolution from earlier models, incorporates improved guidance and a multipurpose warhead effective against both armoured vehicles and structures, while reducing weight for better portability.
Tunisia’s armed forces, numbering around 40,000 active personnel with a focus on counterterrorism and border defence, face ongoing pressures from jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda operating near the Libyan and Algerian frontiers. Since the 2011 revolution, the military has contended with sporadic attacks on security posts, smuggling networks, and potential spillovers from Libya’s instability, where armed militias and foreign proxies complicate regional dynamics. In the south, threats from Boko Haram remnants across the Nigerian border add to the strain, prompting heightened patrols in mountainous and desert areas. The Javelin addresses gaps in Tunisia’s anti-tank inventory, which currently relies on US-supplied BGM-71 TOW missiles mounted on Humvees and M901 improved TOW vehicles, as well as French-German MILAN systems. While effective, these wire-guided options demand sustained line-of-sight exposure, increasing operator risk in fluid engagements; the Javelin’s autonomous flight mitigates this, allowing troops to reposition swiftly after firing. Integration will likely involve special forces and mechanised brigades, bolstering rapid response to armoured incursions or terrorist convoys.
This procurement aligns with Tunisia’s broader military cooperation with the United States, exemplified by joint exercises like African Lion 2025, which kicked off in April and involved multinational forces practising counterterrorism scenarios. Ranked 66th globally in military strength for 2025, Tunisia invests in upgrades to maintain deterrence without provoking escalation, given its modest defence budget of about 2.5 per cent of GDP. Challenges persist, including corruption risks in procurement and limited transparency in defence governance, as noted in recent assessments. Nevertheless, the Javelin’s arrival equips Tunisian soldiers with a tool proven in high-intensity conflicts, potentially deterring aggressors and supporting stability operations.
On a wider scale, the contract extension reflects Washington’s strategy to fortify allies against conventional and hybrid threats, with over 25 nations now fielding the system. For North Africa, Tunisia’s adoption could influence neighbours like Algeria or Morocco, fostering a ripple effect in regional arms balances. As production scales to meet demand, the joint venture’s enhancements ensure timely fulfilment, sustaining the Javelin’s role in modern warfare where dismounted infantry must counter mechanised advances. Tunisia’s entry into this network not only elevates its tactical options but also deepens ties with the US, aiding long-term security in a volatile area.
Meanwhile, in 2024, the U.S. State Department sanctioned the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles and associated equipment to the North African nation for an estimated $260 million. This decision underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in enhancing Morocco’s sovereign defence mechanisms.