The US’ Javelin anti-tank missile system – a shoulder-launched, fire-and-forget weapon – will be co-produced in India. A pact was signed between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and American defence contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin on Monday. Operating as the Javelin Joint Venture, the two American companies have manufactured over 55,000 missiles and more than 12,000 reusable launch units so far.
Joint Venture and Production Plans
The JJV will collaborate with Tata Advanced Systems to explore the establishment of a final assembly and integration facility for the Javelin AUR and component production capabilities in India. This initiative aims to support future in-country production of the Javelin missile system while providing unique opportunities for India and strengthening regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the joint statement, sub-assembly kits and GEUs (guidance electronic units) will be produced separately in the US and then shipped to India for assembly and integration. This aligns with the Indian government’s ‘aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, which aims to create high-tech jobs in India and advance local manufacturing expertise.
Regional Security and Interoperability
From a regional security standpoint, localised production of the Javelin missile will ensure a reliable and steady supply of a proven weapons system for the US and its allies in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider South East Asia region. Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems, emphasized that the deal with the JJV brings critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem while strengthening self-reliance.
