What Is Javelin Anti-Tank Missile System That India Plans To Purchase From the US?
India is set to acquire the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, with the proposed deal valued at USD 45.7 million. The agreement covers Javelin missiles and command launch units, along with training, support equipment and other logistics.
India is set to acquire the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, with the proposed deal valued at USD 45.7 million. The agreement covers Javelin missiles and command launch units, along with training, support equipment and other logistics.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor welcomed the development, calling the Javelin a “battle-tested” anti-tank system and saying the deal would strengthen the defence relationship between the two countries. “BIG news! India plans to buy the battle-tested Javelin anti-tank system…this is a great step forward in the U.S.-India defense relationship and opens the door to co-production possibilities,” Gor wrote on X. He added that engagement between India and the US was at “record high levels.” Why Are 4 Indian Companies on the US Sanctions List Over Iran’s Oil Business?
India Plans To Buy Javelin Anti-Tank Missile System, US Ambassador to India Says
What Is The Javelin Missile System?
The FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable, shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missile system developed in the United States. It is primarily designed to destroy armoured vehicles, but can also be used against fortified positions and other targets.
The Javelin is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin. Which India-Based Companies and Indians Were Sanctioned by the US Over Iran Trade?
How Does The Javelin Work?
The Javelin uses a fire-and-forget system, allowing an operator to launch the missile and move to another position without continuously guiding it toward the target.
The missile uses an imaging infrared seeker to identify and track targets. It is also known for its top-attack capability, allowing it to strike an armoured vehicle from above, where armour is generally weaker.
What Is India Buying?
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), India's requested package includes:
- 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds
- One Javelin missile, fly-to-buy
- 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Block 1 Command Launch Units
- Basic skills trainers and missile simulation rounds
- Training and operator manuals
- Spare parts and tool kits
- Lifecycle and logistics support
- System integration and checkout
- Technical assistance and refurbishment services
Why Is The Javelin Deal Important For India?
The acquisition would add another advanced anti-armour capability to the Indian Army's arsenal while further strengthening India-US defence cooperation.
The US Embassy said the agreement could also create opportunities for co-production and closer cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries.
The development follows the US State Department's approval in November 2025 for the possible $45.7-million sale after India's request. The DSCA had said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic relationship with India.
The Javelin agreement also comes after India and the US signed a 10-year framework to deepen bilateral defence ties last year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).