The US approves a $46 million sale of javelin missiles to India, strengthening its anti-armor capabilities.
The FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system and associated equipment, valued at about 45.7 million dollars, are a potential foreign military sale that the United States has approved for India.
Another step in the strengthening defense cooperation between Washington and New Delhi was taken when the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) publicly informed Congress about the proposed agreement.
One “fly-to-buy” missile and 100 FGM-148 Javelin missile rounds are included in the sale package, allowing India to test and assess system performance prior to full-scale induction. To improve infantry units’ targeting and engagement versatility, 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLU) would be provided.
The agreement includes a number of non-major defense products and sustainment support in addition to combat gear. These include battery coolant units, interactive electronic manuals, Javelin training simulators, lifecycle support packages, and replacement parts.
In addition, the agreement includes tool kits, operator training modules, refurbishing support for Block 1 CLUs, and physical security inspections. The package also includes technical support from the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office and the Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), guaranteeing smooth integration into India’s operational environment.
Strategic Justification and Regional Consequences
The DSCA statement claims that by fortifying defense ties with India, a “Major Defence Partner,” the planned sale is in line with US foreign policy and national security objectives. The purchase of the Javelin is anticipated to improve India’s capacity to combat present and future threats in a variety of terrain, especially along high-altitude borders and in support of mechanized infantry formations.
The agency emphasized that the sale would improve India’s deterrence and homeland defense capabilities without changing the military balance in the area. It said that the US’s own defense readiness would not be negatively impacted by the transfer of these equipment.
The agreement strengthens Washington’s resolve to promote economic growth, stability, and peace in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions, where India is becoming an increasingly important strategic player.
Capabilities of the FGM-148 Javelin
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin collaborated to create the FGM-148 Javelin, a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. It has been in US service since 1996, taking the place of the M47 Dragon. A major tactical benefit over wire-guided weapons is that the missile uses a sophisticated infrared seeker that locks onto targets before launch, allowing the operator to immediately take cover.
Both top-attack and direct-attack engagement modes are available for the Javelin. In top-attack, it ascends up to 500 feet before landing on the upper armor of a target, which is usually the weakest area of an armored vehicle. It can reach a maximum altitude of roughly 190 feet in direct-attack mode, making it appropriate for conflicts under overhead cover or urban warfare. It can overcome contemporary explosive reactive armor because to its tandem warhead design, and its lightweight launcher increases infantry mobility.
Both top-attack and direct-attack engagement modes are available for the Javelin. In top-attack, it ascends up to 500 feet before landing on the upper armor of a target, which is usually the weakest area of an armored vehicle. It can reach a maximum altitude of roughly 190 feet in direct-attack mode, making it appropriate for conflicts under overhead cover or urban warfare. It can overcome contemporary explosive reactive armor because to its tandem warhead design, and its lightweight launcher increases infantry mobility.
India’s current anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) stock, which consists of both foreign-sourced Spike LR missiles from Israel and locally built Nag and Milan systems, will be enhanced with the inclusion of Javelin systems. As India continues to modernize its land forces, the projected Javelin procurement, despite its modest scale, provides as a capacity improvement.
These adaptable, combat-tested systems give Indian infantry troops access to a cutting-edge, all-weather anti-armor capability appropriate for a variety of war scenarios, from mechanized engagements to high-altitude defenses. New Delhi’s intention to improve tactical interoperability with US and ally forces during upcoming joint operations is alAccording to the NDTV Reportso indicated by the acquisition.
