India signs agreement to buy US-made Javelin anti-tank missile systems

The move opens the door for co-production of shoulder-fired Javelin anti-tank missile systems in India

The Indian Army has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems, the US Embassy in India said on Friday, without disclosing the value of the deal. The medium-range guided missile system, jointly produced by Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon), is a fire-and-forget weapon designed for use against a range of targets, including armoured vehicles, the embassy said, adding that the missile system is already in service with the US Army and Marine Corps, as well as several international customers. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said in a statement that the agreement creates new opportunities for the defence industries of both countries to work together. “This agreement reflects a defence partnership that is growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential,” he was quoted as saying. “We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defence industrial bases of both countries.” New Delhi was not immediately available for comment on the agreement. According to Lockheed, the missile system features an “arched top-attack profile”, with the missile itself flying above its target before striking it from the top, delivering damage where the armour is weakest. The manufacturer dubs it “the world’s premier shoulder-fired anti-armour system”. India is the world’s fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. India and the US signed a 10-year defence framework agreement in October. Although ties between the countries have deteriorated in recent months, with Washington imposing high tariffs on Indian goods, punishing New Delhi for purchasing Russian oil and engaging closely with Pakistan, the defence relationship has remained unaffected. In July, New Delhi approved the purchase of a range of military equipment for its defence forces worth $5.46 billion, including missiles, electronic warfare systems and Kamikaze drones. The acquisition was approved “in principle” by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) comprising top military officers and headed by the defence minister, according to a government statement. The statement said the estimated cost of the deal would be about INR520 billion. It did not specify the period over which the acquisitions would be made or whether the systems approved for purchase would be imported or domestically produced.

India is set to enhance its defense capabilities by acquiring the Javelin anti-tank missile system from the United States. This strategic deal signifies a potential boost in co-production avenues for both countries’ industries. The Indian Army has entered into a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, marking a vital step in strengthening India-US defense ties. The Javelin, known for its man-portable design, is essential for neutralizing armored targets.

The FGM-148 Javelin is a portable anti-tank guided missile system developed for the US Army and Marine Corps.

New Delhi, August 28, 2026: India plans to procure the battle-tested Javelin single-man-portable, fire-and-forget, medium-range anti-tank weapon system from the US, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.The announcement follows the US State Department's approval in November 2025 of a potential sale of Javelin weapon systems to India, marking another step in expanding defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.BIG news! India plans to buy the battle-tested Javelin anti-tank system. Just as @secwar highlighted at the May 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, this is a great step forward in the U.S.-India defense relationship and opens the door to co-production possibilities. The engagement between…— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) August 28, 2026"BIG news! India plans to buy the battle-tested Javelin anti-tank system. Just as US Secretary of State Pete Hegseth highlighted at the May 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, this is a great step forward in the US-India defence relationship and opens the door to co-production possibilities. The engagement between our two nations is at record-high levels," Gor said in a post on X.The missile system is already used by the US Army and Marine Corps as well as several international customers."The agreement creates new opportunities for the defence industries of both countries to work together. We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defence industrial bases of both countries," Gor added.The number of Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems India plans to procure and the overall cost of the purchase are not immediately known. New Delhi has also not immediately commented on the agreement.How The Javelin System WorksThe Javelin is a portable anti-tank missile system jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and RTX for use against armoured targets and is widely deployed by the US and allied forces.The shoulder-fired system uses an automatic guidance mechanism that enables the missile to track its target after launch, allowing the operator to take cover and avoid counterfire.The missile is designed to strike the upper part of a tank, one of its least armoured areas. It follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory after launch to precisely hit its target.The gunner selects a target using a cursor, after which the command launch unit sends a lock-on-before-launch signal to the missile. Its light weight enables troops to reposition after firing or reload to engage another threat.The system's soft-launch design also allows it to be fired safely from enclosed structures, including buildings and bunkers.The Javelin was developed and produced for the US Army and Marine Corps by the Javelin Joint Venture, involving Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, and Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona.US Approved Potential $93 Million SaleIn November 2025, the US State Department approved a potential $93 million sale to India covering up to 100 Javelin systems and 216 Excalibur guided artillery projectiles.India is the world's fifth-largest military spender and second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. India already uses Excalibur ammunition with its M777 howitzers.Also Watch: India-US Advance Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, Focus On Maritime Security, Strategic Infrastructure And Regional ConnectivityIndia-US Defence Cooperation ExpandsThe development comes as India expands its procurement of US defence equipment.India and the US signed a framework for a major defence partnership in October 2025 aimed at strengthening interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.India has also acquired several US-made defence platforms, including Apache and Chinook helicopters, C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and M777 howitzers.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

India plans to acquire the US-made Javelin anti-tank missile system for $45.7 million, enhancing defense ties with the US. The deal may lead to joint manufacturing, reflecting ‘record-level’ engagement between the two nations, according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor.