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Following the formal notification by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 19 November 2025, confirming that the US Department of State has authorised a potential Foreign Military Sale to India, New Delhi is poised to initiate concluding discussions for the procurement of the Javelin Missile System.
The approved package, estimated at $45.7 million (approx. ₹380 crore), includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs).
Sources indicate that Indian officials will now prioritise comprehensive negotiations aimed at securing Transfer of Technology (ToT) to facilitate the indigenous production of these advanced systems.
Shifting Towards Industrial Partnership
The recent clearance from Washington comes after India submitted a formal Letter of Request, signalling a distinct move away from traditional "off-the-shelf" purchases.Instead, New Delhi is pursuing a deeper industrial collaboration that emphasises co-production.
The Indian defence establishment is focused on ensuring that this acquisition supports long-term self-reliance, with a clear objective to establish local manufacturing capabilities.
This approach aligns with the Indian Army's urgent need to modernise its anti-tank inventory while simultaneously building a sustainable domestic supply chain to counter emerging armoured threats.
Foundations for Domestic Manufacturing
A critical framework for this local production was established earlier this year.In February 2025, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a state-owned defence enterprise, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Javelin Joint Venture—a partnership between US defence majors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon (RTX).
This agreement was designed to investigate the feasibility of manufacturing the Javelin system within India. If successful, this collaboration would create a domestic production line specifically tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces.
Strengthening Capabilities and Partnerships
At the time of the MoU signing, representatives from the Javelin Joint Venture highlighted that the initiative would allow them to assess how best to transition manufacturing processes to India.The companies stressed that such a partnership would not only fulfil the future inventory needs of the Ministry of Defence but also significantly bolster India’s anti-armour combat readiness through active local industrial participation.
This strategy is consistent with the broader "Make in India" initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports for critical ammunition.
A Proven Combat System
The Javelin is widely recognised as one of the most effective man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) globally.Weighing approximately 15.9 kilograms (system weight), it can be carried and operated by a single soldier.
The missile utilises "fire-and-forget" technology, allowing the operator to relocate immediately after launch, which enhances survivability on the battlefield.
It features a specialised "top-attack" mode, enabling it to strike the vulnerable upper armour of main battle tanks, a capability that has proven decisive against heavy armoured formations in recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
Strategic Implications
For India, this development represents a convergence of three key elements: a sanctioned Foreign Military Sale, active co-production dialogues, and the potential for high-level technology transfer.If the upcoming negotiations reach a successful conclusion, the Javelin programme could serve as a model for future defence contracts.
It would demonstrate India’s ability to leverage international partnerships to rapidly induct combat-proven technologies while simultaneously expanding its own defence industrial base.
