New Delhi: India is set to acquire the advanced Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States, with the Indian Army signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the procurement, the US Embassy in India said on Friday.
The Javelin is a portable, medium-range “fire-and-forget” anti-tank guided missile designed to engage tanks, armoured vehicles and fortified positions. The system can be operated by troops on the ground and has variants capable of engaging targets at ranges of several kilometres.
The agreement also opens the door for discussions between India and the US on possible co-production of the weapon system and broader defence-industrial cooperation.
India To Acquire 100 Javelin Missiles
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had announced the proposed sale to India in November 2025 after the US State Department approved the deal.
The proposed package included 100 Javelin missiles, one fly-to-buy round and 25 command launch units, along with training equipment, simulation rounds, spare parts and lifecycle support.
The signing of the LOA marks a key step towards implementing the procurement.
The Javelin system is jointly produced by US defence companies Lockheed Martin and RTX and is currently operated by the US Army, US Marine Corps and several international militaries.
How Does The Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Work?
One of the Javelin’s key capabilities is its “fire-and-forget” technology, allowing personnel to launch the missile without having to continuously guide it towards the target.
The system is designed to engage a range of battlefield targets, particularly armoured vehicles and fortified positions.
Its acquisition will add another advanced anti-armour capability to the Indian Army’s inventory at a time when India is also seeking to expand domestic production of critical defence equipment.
India-US To Explore Javelin Co-Production
Beyond the immediate procurement, the agreement could lead to deeper industrial cooperation between the two countries.
According to the US Embassy, the signing opens discussions on mutually beneficial co-production of the Javelin system and other opportunities aimed at strengthening the defence industrial bases of India and the United States.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the agreement as a reflection of a defence partnership that is becoming “deeper, more capable, and more consequential”.
The potential co-production element could become significant for India’s push to increase domestic manufacturing of advanced defence systems and reduce dependence on direct imports.
