India plans to buy US-made Javelin anti-tank missile

NEW DELHI, Aug 28: The Indian Army has signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to buy the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States through its foreign military sales process, a move the US said would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation.

“This agreement reflects a defense partnership that is growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday. “The Javelin agreement demonstrates the depth of US support for the Indian Army and creates new opportunities for our defense industries to work together. We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defense industrial bases of both countries.”

The development comes nine months after the US State Department approved the possible sale of the weapon system to the Indian Army following New Delhi’s request. 

The Javelin system sale will be worth $45.7 million. The Javelin is used by the US Army, US Marine Corps, and several international customers. It is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin.

The development also comes after India and the US last year signed a 10-year framework to deepen the bilateral defence relationship.

“The landmark signature further strengthens the US-India Major Defense Partnership by demonstrating the depth of ongoing US support to the Indian Army. It also opens discussions on mutually beneficial co-production and additional opportunities to strengthen the defense industrial bases of both countries,” the US embassy said.�" HT