India Buys Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles in Rs 292 Crore Deal

The Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to purchase Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales process. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 292 crore, includes 16 Block 1 launch units and 64 FGM-148F missiles. Procurement was initiated under emergency powers granted following Operation Sindoor, though the final agreement faced delays awaiting approval from the U.S. Congress.

Produced by a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and RTX, the Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget system capable of targeting armored vehicles at ranges up to 5 km. Delivery is expected by the end of 2026-27. The acquisition aims to address deficiencies in anti-tank weaponry to thwart potential coordinated attacks from China or Pakistan, complementing India's indigenous NAG missile and Israeli Spike systems.

U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor stated the agreement reflects a defense partnership that is growing "deeper, more capable and more consequential." The deal includes a memorandum of understanding between the Javelin Joint Venture and Bharat Dynamics Limited, opening possibilities for future co-production. However, technology transfer remains a point of discussion, as India continues to seek extensive access to seeker technology. This procurement occurs despite diplomatic tensions regarding U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and India's purchase of Russian oil.