Javelin missile explained: How anti-tank system India is buying uses ‘fire-and-forget’ tech to destroy armoured targets

India has secured a deal to purchase the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States, valued at $45.7 million. This system, a product of the Javelin Joint Venture partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin, is utilized by the US Army and Marine Corps alongside several other international customers. The Javelin is renowned for its "fire-and-forget" technology, which allows users to take cover and avoid counterfire after launching the missile, while still being able to reposition or reload to engage another target.

The missile system is designed to target a wide range of threats, including armoured vehicles and fortified positions, and employs a top-attack profile to strike the weakest points in an enemy's armor. The US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, emphasized that this agreement signifies a deepening of defense cooperation between the two nations and opens avenues for future collaboration, including potential co-production opportunities.