In a significant move to enhance its capabilities against armored threats, the Indian Army has commenced the emergency procurement of the American FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system using fast-track financial powers. This initiative, reported by Bharat Shakti, includes the acquisition of 12 launchers and 104 missiles, authorized to meet urgent operational demands amidst evolving border challenges. Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, Director General (Infantry), confirmed that this decision aims to swiftly improve the Army’s firepower and effectiveness against tanks in forward positions.
The Javelin, developed in partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is a third-generation, shoulder-fired “fire-and-forget” missile known for its unique top-attack flight profile, which allows it to target enemy armor from above, striking at its most vulnerable points. Its soft-launch mechanism facilitates firing from confined spaces, and the integrated Command Launch Unit (CLU) enables day and night target acquisition, making the Javelin particularly suited for mountain and rugged terrain operations.
In parallel to the emergency procurement, India has formally submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States, seeking approval for co-production of the Javelin missile system under the Make in India initiative. This proposal is designed to establish local manufacturing capabilities, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen India’s defense industrial base.
Defense officials state that initial discussions regarding the co-production framework have been received positively by U.S. counterparts, with ongoing technical consultations since July. If approved, India would join a limited circle of countries authorized to produce or assemble the Javelin, thereby reinforcing its status as a critical strategic defense partner of the United States.
This co-production effort aligns with India’s broader strategic defense cooperation roadmap, which includes plans for future joint ventures on various military systems, such as the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle.
The integration of the Javelin system complements the Indian Army’s ongoing modernization efforts, which have also seen the procurement of new carbines, loitering munitions, and advanced reconnaissance systems. The missile is expected to be utilized at brigade and company levels, notably within mountain warfare and quick-reaction units, providing troops with a highly portable and lethal precision strike capability against armored targets without the need for heavy artillery.
Following the procurement, deliveries will be accompanied by user trials and operator training sessions before full-scale induction into service. Once operational, the Javelin is poised to significantly bolster India’s short-range anti-tank defense along its sensitive frontiers.
Lt. Gen. Ajay Kumar emphasized that while this emergency acquisition addresses immediate operational needs, the overarching strategic objective remains to indigenize and sustain such military capabilities domestically, representing a crucial step toward achieving technological self-reliance in defense manufacturing for India.
