India signs deal with US to buy Javelin anti-tank missile systems

The Indian Army has entered into a deal with the United States to purchase FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems, according to the US Embassy in India. The exact value of the agreement was not disclosed. The medium-range guided missile system, jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon), is a fire-and-forget weapon designed to target various objects, including armored vehicles.

The missile system, currently in use by the US Army and Marine Corps, as well as several international customers, is set to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both nations. US Ambassador Sergio Gor hailed the agreement, stating that it represents a growing defense partnership between the two countries. India, ranked fifth in military spending, is also the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, as per data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The 10-year defense framework agreement between India and the US was signed in October. Despite recent tensions, including US tariffs on Indian goods and close cooperation with Pakistan, the defence relationship has remained intact. In July, India approved the purchase of $5.46 billion worth of military equipment, including missiles, electronic warfare systems, and Kamikaze drones, for its defense forces.