Why is India acquiring the Javelin anti-tank missile system? | Explained

India’s decision to acquire the U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank guided missile system marks an important addition to the Indian Army’s infantry anti-armour capabilities, particularly at a time when modern warfare has reinforced the importance of highly mobile, precision-guided weapons against tanks and armoured vehicles.

The Indian Army has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the Javelin system through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales programme, making India a customer of one of the world’s best-known shoulder-fired anti-tank missile systems. The acquisition also opens the possibility of co-production in India, with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture having signed a memorandum of understanding to explore final assembly and integration of the Javelin All Up Round in the country.