New Delhi, Sep 10 (NVI) Strategic cooperation between India and the US is expected to get a boost as an agreement has been signed for joint production of the famed American Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles in this country.
The missile, developed and produced by Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) between US companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, will now be co-produced with Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the co-production in India of the Javelin ‘All Up Round’ (AUR), which means a factory-assembled missile enclosed inside its tactical launch container, ready for use.
The MoU between the two companies came just days after the Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process in late August 2026.
The initial emergency procurement covers a limited batch, including around 60 to 100 missile rounds and 25 lightweight command launch units.
The deal, valued at approximately ₹292 crore, is intended to immediately fill the tactical anti-tank capability gaps along India’s borders.
The missile is highly useful in the warfare as it uses automatic infrared guidance to track and hit its target.
The missile system can be carried and operated by even a single soldier or small team, which consists of a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) and a missile tube. The operator can fire the weapon and immediately move to cover or reload.
The missile carries a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) charge with two warheads. This design defeats explosive reactive armor (ERA).
The missile climbs high into the air and dives down onto the top of an armored vehicle. This targets the thinnest armor on a tank.
The missile flies straight toward the target. This mode is useful against buildings, fortifications, bunkers, or helicopters.
Under the MOU between the two companies, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the JJV will explore the establishment of a final assembly and integration facility for the Javelin AUR and component production capabilities in India.
This agreement will support future production of the Javelin system while providing unique opportunities for the Indian industry to strengthen regional stability for the Indo-Pacific.
Interestingly, the JJV had earlier signed an MoU with the government-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) last year to explore opportunities for manufacturing the weapon in India.
The Javelin co-production is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between India and US by “creating, building and developing a strong defence workforce in India while also sustaining American jobs in the domestic supply chain through multiyear production of sub-assembly kits at Lockheed Martin’s Troy, Ala., facility and guidance electronics units (GEU) at Raytheon’s Tucson, Ariz., facility.”
The JJV has produced more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units.
“The sub-assembly kits and GEUs will be shipped to India for final assembly and integration,” said a statement by the companies.
There is no clarity regarding the number of units planned to be developed through the joint venture in India.
The statement said “the larger volume” from co-production can help the US government achieve economic order quantities, improving affordability and creating measurable cost-saving opportunities for programs that support JJV production.
“Partnering with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to establish a dedicated Javelin final assembly and integration facility in India is a pivotal step in ensuring a resilient supply chain for this critical anti-tank weapon system,” said Rich Liccion, vice-president, JJV and program director, Lockheed Martin Javelin.
Sukaran Singh, CEO & MD, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “This initiative brings critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem, while strengthening self-reliance. Local assembly of the Javelin All Up Round will enhance operational readiness and ensure timely access to proven, combat-ready capability for the Indian armed forces.” (NVI)
