New Delhi : India has signed an agreement with the United States to acquire Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems for the Indian Army, marking the country’s formal entry as a customer of the American shoulder-fired weapon.
The reported emergency procurement agreement, valued at around ₹292 crore, includes approximately 60 Javelin missiles and associated launch systems. The acquisition is being processed through the US Foreign Military Sales route, under which defence equipment is supplied through a government-to-government framework.
The Javelin is a third-generation, man-portable anti-tank weapon jointly produced by Lockheed Martin and RTX. It features a “fire-and-forget” capability, allowing the operator to launch the missile and then move to a safer position without having to guide it throughout its flight.
The missile can attack armoured vehicles from above using a top-attack profile, targeting the thinner armour on the upper surface of tanks. It can also be used in a direct-attack mode against fortified positions and other targets. Its portability and advanced guidance system make it suitable for use by infantry units in difficult terrain and forward operational areas.
The agreement follows years of discussions between India and the US over the possible acquisition of Javelin systems. The US State Department had earlier approved a potential sale of Javelin missiles and related equipment to India in November 2025, with an estimated value of $45.7 million.
Proposed Joint Production in India
The procurement is also being viewed as an initial step towards deeper defence-industrial cooperation. India and the United States are working towards the eventual joint production of Javelin systems in India, in line with New Delhi’s objective of strengthening domestic defence manufacturing under the Make in India programme.
The proposed cooperation could involve co-assembly, local manufacturing and a greater role for Indian industry in the weapon’s supply chain. However, details regarding the Indian production partner, technology transfer, manufacturing capacity and timelines have not yet been publicly finalised.
Significance for India-US Defence Ties
The agreement is expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s anti-armour capabilities and add a battle-tested weapon system to its inventory. It also reflects the expanding strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States.
For Washington, the deal strengthens defence-industrial ties with a major strategic partner. For New Delhi, it offers access to advanced anti-tank technology while potentially creating a pathway for greater domestic production and long-term industrial cooperation.
The first procurement is expected to address the Indian Army’s immediate operational requirements, while the proposed joint-production plan could support India’s broader goal of reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.No results found.