India is taking its defense partnership with the United States to the next level. New Delhi plans to acquire the US-made ‘Javelin’ anti-tank missile system. This medium-range missile system is portable and can be carried and fired by a single soldier. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed this information. Previously, in November of last year, the US State Department had approved the sale of the ‘FGM-147 Javelin’ missile system to India.
In a post on the social media platform X, Sergio Gor wrote, “This is big news! India plans to acquire the Javelin anti-tank missile system, which has proven its effectiveness on the battlefield. This deal represents a major step forward, aligning with the emphasis placed by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2026. This move will also pave the way for joint production between the two nations. Currently, the bilateral relationship between our countries is at a record high.”
The US Embassy stated that this missile system is already in use by the US Army and Marine Corps, as well as by several other countries worldwide. Sergio Gor added, “This agreement creates new opportunities for the defense sectors of both nations to collaborate. We see immense potential for future cooperation that will further strengthen the defense industries of both countries.”
Details regarding the exact number of Javelin anti-tank missile systems India is purchasing and the total cost of the acquisition were not immediately available. There was also no immediate comment from New Delhi regarding the deal.
How the Javelin Works
The Javelin is primarily a shoulder-fired anti-tank missile system. It was jointly developed by US defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin and RTX. It is widely used by the US military and allied forces. Designed to be fired from the shoulder, the Javelin features an automated guidance system. This allows the missile to track and pursue its target autonomously after launch. Consequently, the operator can take cover in a safe location and avoid enemy counter-attacks. The Javelin missile primarily strikes the upper section—or “canopy”—of a tank; this is the area used for entry and is the tank’s least protected part. Due to the Javelin’s light weight, soldiers can quickly relocate after firing or reload a new missile to engage another target. Its unique design allows it to be fired safely from confined spaces, such as multi-story buildings or bunkers.
The scope of India’s defense equipment purchases from the United States is steadily expanding. Previously, the US State Department had approved the sale of military equipment worth approximately $93 million to India. That deal included up to 100 Javelin systems. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India ranks fifth among the world’s top military spenders and is the second-largest arms importer, trailing only Ukraine.
