A personnel from the U.S. combat team loads a Javelin missile into a transportation container during a live-fire training exercise on April 28, 2022 in Fort Carson, Colorado. File
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
India has submitted letter of request to United States for co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in the country.
A top defence source who has confirmed the development said that India has shown interest and submitted the proposal to the U.S. authorities for co-production of javelin missile. The development is also aligned with ‘Make In India’ initiative of the NDA government.
“It will ensure operational readiness and reduce the dependability on foreign support. The talks are in advance stage,” the official added. Javelin is one of the most advanced third-generation ATGMs in the world.
Amid growing urgency to replenish and add new weaponry, the official said that they were already in touch with the United States for procurement of javelin missiles under emergency procurement.
Considering India’s strategic imperatives, particularly the need to counter evolving threats from both Pakistan and China, the Javelin missile system presents a strong case for bolstering India’s anti-tank warfare capabilities, the official added.
Priority for weight-less missile systems
Defence forces are looking at shoulder-fired missile systems that are less in weight and can be carried in difficult terrain by troops without engaging too many of them to carry it.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to review ongoing and forthcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries.
Javelin is developed and produced jointly by American defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Published – July 16, 2025 11:00 am IST
