Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile System

Why in News?

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) on 28 August 2026 to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States. The procurement proceeds through the government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.

This agreement formally integrates India into the international operator group of the combat-proven FGM-148 Javelin system.

What is the FGM-148 Javelin Missile System?

The FGM-148 Javelin is a premier, man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. Infantry units deploy it primarily against modern armored vehicles, main battle tanks, and fortified bunkers.


Key Technical Features

1. Fire-and-Forget Guidance

• The missile uses an automatic infrared guidance tracker.
• The operator locks onto the target before launch.
• The missile guides itself after launch without further operator input.
• This feature allows the crew to relocate immediately to evade counter-fire.

2. Attack Modes and Versatility

• The Javelin provides two distinct strike modes: Top-Attack and Direct-Attack.
• Top-attack mode strikes the thinner top armor of tanks.
• Direct-attack mode destroys fortified buildings, bunkers, and helicopters.

3. Man-Portability

• A single soldier or a two-person team can transport and deploy the system.
• It operates effectively in rugged terrains, mountains, and urban combat environments.

The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Framework

The procurement takes place through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the United States Government.

Understanding the FMS Process

• FMS is a government-to-government mechanism for US defense exports.
• The US Department of Defense manages the sales on behalf of the purchasing nation.
• The process begins with a formal request and concludes with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
• FMS ensures standard procurement pricing, streamlined supply chains, training, and logistical support.

Industrial Partnership and Co-Production

The procurement includes strategic industrial collaboration to strengthen indigenous defense capabilities.


1. Javelin Joint Venture (JJV)

• Two leading US defense contractors—RTX (formerly Raytheon) and Lockheed Martin—manufacture the Javelin system under this partnership.
• RTX produces the Command Launch Unit (CLU) and missile electronics.
• Lockheed Martin manufactures the missile body and system assembly.

2. Partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)

• Indian defense public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an agreement with JJV in February 2025.
• The agreement explores domestic assembly, component sourcing, and potential co-production arrangements in India.

Strategic Significance for India

• High-Altitude Readiness: Enhances infantry combat readiness along northern mountainous borders.
• Modernization of Anti-Armor Arsenals: Complements India’s existing ATGM platforms with advanced fire-and-forget capabilities.
• US-India Defense Ties: Strengthens bilateral interoperability and strategic defense partnership between India and the US.

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile System: Exam-Oriented Facts for Competitive Exams

• Item Procured: FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system.
• Procuring Nation: India.
• Supplying Nation: United States of America.
• Agreement Signed: Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) on 28 August 2026.
• Procurement Route: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) (Government-to-Government).
• Missile Category: Man-portable, medium-range Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
• Guidance Mechanism: Fire-and-forget (automatic imaging infrared tracking).
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) — a joint venture between RTX and Lockheed Martin.
• Indian Industrial Partner: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) (signed agreement in February 2025).
• Related Defense Fact: Excalibur is a precision-guided extended-range artillery projectile used by modern armed forces, also procured via the US FMS mechanism.