India negotiates with US to locally produce Javelin missiles to counter Chinese armored threats.

According to information published by The Hindu on July 17, 2025, India has officially submitted a letter of request to the United States to obtain authorization for the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles on Indian soil. This strategic initiative is part of the government’s “Make in India” program, aimed at strengthening the country's defense production capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. A senior defense official confirmed that discussions between New Delhi and Washington are at an advanced stage, underlining India’s urgency to enhance operational readiness in the face of evolving regional threats.
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The Javelin's missile itself weighs 11.8 kg, is 1.08 meters long with a diameter of 126 mm, and offers an operational range between 2,500 and 4,750 meters, depending on configuration, including vehicle-mounted remote stations.  (Picture source: US DoD)

The FGM-148 Javelin is a third-generation infrared-guided anti-tank missile jointly developed and produced by American companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. This man-portable, fire-and-forget system is designed for use by a single soldier and can be launched from buildings or confined positions due to its low-signature soft-launch capability. Equipped with a tandem-shaped charge warhead, the missile can penetrate up to 800 mm of RHA-equivalent armor, including reactive armor. It is capable of destroying tanks by targeting their more vulnerable upper sections, as well as engaging bunkers, buildings, light boats, and slow-moving helicopters.

The Javelin system comprises a 6.4 kg Command Launch Unit (CLU) featuring a day sight with 4x magnification and a thermal sight with 4x and 9x magnification. The missile itself weighs 11.8 kg, is 1.08 meters long with a diameter of 126 mm, and offers an operational range between 2,500 and 4,750 meters depending on configuration, including vehicle-mounted remote stations. Its long-wave infrared seeker allows it to track targets even in low visibility and against countermeasures. The missile is currently in service with over 20 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine.

India’s intention to produce the Javelin locally is part of a broader military modernization strategy, directly addressing security concerns posed by neighboring Pakistan and China. The Indian Armed Forces now prioritize lightweight, portable missile systems that can be deployed by small tactical units in difficult terrains. These systems provide essential operational flexibility while reducing the logistical burden on troops in complex operational theaters. In parallel with the co-production proposal, India is also negotiating with the United States for the emergency acquisition of Javelin missiles to quickly fill critical gaps in its arsenal.

In recent weeks, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to review ongoing defense cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration. This dialogue is part of broader efforts to strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the two countries, which includes the upcoming signing of a new decade-long defense cooperation framework, according to the Pentagon. Such agreements aim to facilitate long-term collaboration in defense technologies, joint production, and operational synergy between the Indian and US armed forces.

India’s move to co-produce the Javelin missile represents a significant step in its pursuit of defense production autonomy while deepening strategic ties with the United States. The success of this initiative would enhance the Indian Army’s anti-tank capabilities and position India’s defense industry as a key player in the regional production of advanced missile systems.