Javelin deal to boost India-US defence ties, but tech transfer key to cutting red tape
The decision to procure 16 units of Block 1 launch units of Javelin missile system was taken by India immediately after Op Sindoor.
On May 12, 2024, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced India's plans to procure 16 Javelin anti-tank missile launch units and 64 FGM 148-F anti-tank guided missiles. This deal is part of India's efforts to strengthen its defence ties with the United States. However, the deal is held up due to bureaucratic delays. The procurement was made under the emergency process Op Sindoor.
The contract was initially supposed to be delivered within a year but was extended due to delays in the approval of the foreign military sales route by the US Congress. The Javelin system, which was first offered by the US in 2010 under the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) agreement, has faced challenges in terms of technology transfer.
Despite this, Ambassador Gor's hint at co-production capabilities is a positive step. The Department of Defence and Research (DRDO) had previously stated that its indigenous NAG ATGM system was ready, which eliminated the need for the Javelin or Spike Israeli system procurement. However, the DRDO could not deliver on its promise, and India was forced to purchase Spike systems under emergency procurement due to the Chinese PLA's incursion into East Ladakh in May 2020.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
