India signs agreement to acquire US Javelin anti-tank missiles
New Delhi, August 28. India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States for the acquisition of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through Washington’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, marking a fresh step in the growing defence partnership between the two countries.
The US Embassy in India said the agreement reflects the deepening cooperation between the US and Indian armed forces and could pave the way for greater collaboration between the defence industries of the two countries.
“This agreement reflects a defence partnership that is growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said. He added that the Javelin deal demonstrates Washington’s support for the Indian Army while creating opportunities for the two countries’ defence industries to work together.
With the signing of the LOA, India becomes a customer of the Javelin missile system, an advanced medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided weapon designed to engage a range of targets, including armoured vehicles and fortified positions.
The Javelin is already operated by the US Army, US Marine Corps and several international customers. The system is manufactured by the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising US defence companies RTX and Lockheed Martin.
The agreement is also significant for its potential industrial implications. According to the US Embassy, the signing could lead to discussions on mutually beneficial co-production arrangements and other opportunities to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both countries.
The deal further reinforces the US-India Major Defence Partnership, signalling continued American support for enhancing the capabilities of the Indian armed forces while opening scope for deeper industrial and technological cooperation.
The Javelin acquisition comes against the backdrop of expanding US-India defence ties, with both countries increasingly focusing not only on defence procurement but also on technology cooperation, industrial partnerships and greater integration of their defence manufacturing ecosystems.
The US Embassy said Washington sees “tremendous potential” for future cooperation aimed at strengthening the defence industrial bases of both countries.
