The Indian Army has signed an agreement to purchase the Javelin anti-tank missile system through the US Foreign Military Sales process.
The Indian Army has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to purchase the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the US Foreign Military Sales process.
This marks India’s formal entry as a customer for the famed shoulder-fired weapon, as both countries work toward its eventual joint production in India.
“This agreement reflects a defense partnership that is growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.
“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.”
Javelin Procurement
The LOA follows the US State Department’s November approval of an Indian government request to buy Javelin systems, including 100 Javelin rounds and 25 lightweight command launch units for $45.7 million. The approved package also included one fly-to-buy FGM-148 Javelin missile.
The package includes training equipment, missile simulation rounds, a battery coolant unit, technical manuals, lifecycle support, spare parts, and systems integration and testing.
However,citing sources, Indian news outlet Asian News International reported that the Indian Army’s procurement is valued at 2.92 billion Indian rupees ($30.5 million) and covers 60 Javelin rounds. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2026 or in 2027.
The deal is being executed under the Indian Army’s emergency procurement powers, which allow purchases of up to 3 billion Indian rupees ($31.4 million) per item.
Javelin Missile
The man-portable Javelin gives dismounted troops a fire-and-forget capability against armored threats at ranges of 65 meters (213 feet) to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).
It uses an arched top-attack trajectory, climbing above the target before striking its more vulnerable upper armor. Its soft-launch design also allows it to be fired safely from enclosed positions such as buildings and bunkers.
Developed by the RTX Corporation/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, the system uses a Command Launch Unit that allows the gunner to detect and identify targets in poor visibility before launch. It can engage armored vehicles and fortified positions.
According to RTX, the system can also be launched remotely from an uncrewed ground vehicle. Weighing about 15.9 kilograms (35 pounds), it can be operated by a single soldier.
The Javelin gained widespread recognition through its use by Ukrainian forces against Russian armor during the Russia-Ukraine war. It is also in service with the US military and more than two dozen international customers.
