Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the companies behind the US-made Javelin missile to explore co-production of the weapon in India
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the companies behind the US-made Javelin missile to explore co-production of the weapon in India.
The agreement was signed with the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, an RTX business. The deal could pave the way for final assembly of the Javelin missile and production of some components in India.
The development comes days after the Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to acquire the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the Foreign Military Sales route. The deal marks another step in growing defence cooperation between India and the US.
Tata selected as prime industry partner
Under the new MoU, TASL and the JJV will examine the possibility of setting up a facility in India for the final assembly and integration of the Javelin All Up Round (AUR), which refers to the fully assembled missile.
The companies will also explore opportunities to manufacture components in India. TASL was selected as the JJV’s prime partner after the US companies evaluated several Indian firms based on their capabilities and expertise.
The companies said the planned production would expand the role of Indian suppliers and help strengthen India’s defence manufacturing base.
More from IndiaExperts say that the partnership would bring assembly expertise and technology-related knowledge into India’s defence industry.
Local assembly could also help the armed forces get quicker access to the missile and improve operational readiness.
India had sought 100 missiles, 25 launchers
The LOA signed by the Indian Army follows the US State Department’s approval last year of a possible Javelin sale to India.
According to earlier reports, India was pursuing two related arrangements — the purchase of 100 Javelin missiles and 25 launchers, and a separate agreement to manufacture the missiles in India.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had also highlighted the potential for greater cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries after the purchase agreement was signed.
Under the US Foreign Military Sales system, an LOA is generally the final major step before payments are made and deliveries begin.
Why Javelin is important
The Javelin is a portable, shoulder-fired anti-tank missile designed to destroy armoured vehicles, including tanks, as well as fortified positions.
It uses a “fire-and-forget” system. Once the missile is launched, the operator does not have to continue guiding it towards the target. An infrared seeker helps the missile track its target.
The weapon is used by the US military and several other countries. It has also gained attention because of its use by Ukrainian forces against Russian armoured vehicles during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Boost to India’s defence manufacturing
The proposed Indian production line is expected to create opportunities for local suppliers and generate high-skilled jobs, while giving Indian industry experience in producing advanced missile systems.
The companies said local production could also help strengthen global supply chains at a time when demand for Javelin systems is increasing.
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency had earlier said the Javelin sale would strengthen the strategic relationship between India and the US and contribute to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
