India Signs Javelin Missile Deal with United States

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance on 28 August 2026 to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales process. The agreement formally makes India a customer of the FGM-148 Javelin system, which is a man-portable, fire-and-forget, medium-range anti-tank guided missile.

Javelin System

The FGM-148 Javelin is an anti-tank guided missile used against armoured vehicles and fortified positions. It uses a fire-and-forget guidance method, which allows the operator to launch the missile and move away after firing.

Foreign Military Sales Process

Foreign Military Sales is a United States government-to-government mechanism for defence exports. It is used for the transfer of military equipment, training, and related services to foreign partners.

Manufacture and Industrial Partners

The Javelin system is manufactured by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin. Bharat Dynamics Limited signed a prior agreement with the Javelin Joint Venture in February 2025 for possible co-production arrangements.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Javelin is a man-portable anti-tank guided missile system.
• The Javelin Joint Venture is linked to RTX and Lockheed Martin.
• Foreign Military Sales is a United States defence export route.
• Excalibur is a precision-guided artillery shell used by several armed forces.

Deal Structure and Earlier Approval

Some media reports placed the value of the Javelin contract at about 45.7 million United States dollars for 100 missiles and launch units. Other reports referred to a broader 93 million United States dollar package that also included up to 216 Excalibur precision-guided artillery shells.

A potential Foreign Military Sale for the Javelin system had earlier received United States government approval in November 2025. The Indian Army’s procurement is linked to future discussions on co-production and technology-related cooperation.