India signs deal to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles from United States

India has formally become a customer of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system after signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the United States through the Foreign Military Sales route.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi welcomed the signing on Friday, describing it as evidence of the expanding U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership and a gateway to deeper collaboration between the defence industries of both nations. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the agreement reflected a defence partnership that was growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential.

What the Javelin brings to India's arsenal

The Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed to engage a range of targets, including armoured vehicles and fortified positions. The system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising RTX and Lockheed Martin, and is currently operated by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and several international customers.

Opening doors for co-production

Beyond the immediate procurement, the agreement is expected to facilitate discussions on mutually beneficial co-production arrangements. Ambassador Gor emphasised that the deal demonstrated U.S. support for the Indian Army and created new opportunities for the two defence industries to work together. The U.S. Embassy said the signing would create additional opportunities to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both countries.

The move signals India's continued diversification of its defence suppliers and marks another milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, with the agreement laying the groundwork for potential manufacturing collaboration on advanced missile systems.

Source: The Hindu