New Delhi, August 28: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said India plans to procure the combat-proven Javelin anti-tank missile system, describing the proposed acquisition as an important development in the defence relationship between India and the United States.
In a post on social media, Gor said the procurement would represent “a great step forward” in the US–India defence partnership. He added that the proposed deal could open the way for co-production opportunities between the two countries.
Referring to remarks made by the US Secretary of War at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2026, Gor said the development reflected the growing level of defence engagement between India and the United States.
“The engagement between our two nations is at record high levels,” he said.
Background of the Proposed Deal
India’s interest in the Javelin system is part of a broader effort to strengthen its anti-armour capabilities while expanding defence-industrial cooperation with the United States.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, India and the US announced plans to pursue the procurement and possible co-production of Javelin missiles in India. The discussions were also linked to wider cooperation on defence platforms, including the proposed acquisition of Stryker infantry combat vehicles.
The US State Department subsequently approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of Javelin systems to India in November 2025. The notified package was estimated at approximately $45.7 million and included:
- 100 Javelin missile rounds;
- 25 launch units;
- Training systems;
- Spare parts;
- Technical assistance;
- Lifecycle support and related equipment.
The approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale is an important procedural step, but it does not by itself constitute the final contract. The final quantity, price and delivery schedule are subject to further negotiations and formalisation between the two governments.
Possibility of Production in India
The Javelin Joint Venture, formed by RTX and Lockheed Martin, has also explored the possibility of local assembly and co-production in India. The joint venture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited to examine potential manufacturing and industrial cooperation opportunities.
The proposed arrangement is in line with India’s objective of expanding domestic defence production and encouraging technology partnerships under the Make in India initiative. For the United States, cooperation with Indian defence companies could help deepen supply-chain ties and strengthen long-term industrial engagement.
The Javelin is a portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system designed to engage armoured vehicles. Its proposed procurement could enhance India’s capability to counter modern armoured threats, particularly in difficult terrain and along sensitive borders.
The initiative also forms part of the wider transformation in the India–US defence relationship, which has expanded from equipment purchases to include co-production, technology cooperation, interoperability and defence supply-chain integration. India already operates several US-origin defence platforms, including C-17 and C-130J aircraft, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, Apache and Chinook helicopters, MH-60R helicopters, M777 howitzers and MQ-9B drones.
While Ambassador Gor’s announcement indicates significant progress, the final terms of the Javelin procurement and the scope of any co-production arrangement will depend on official approvals and the conclusion of the government-to-government process.