India signs Javelin procurement deal with U.S., boosts defence cooperation

The Javelin system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising RTX and Lockheed Martin. Credit: lockheedmartin.com

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the U.S. on Friday (August 28, 2026) to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales route, marking a significant step in the defence partnership between the two countries.

The missile system is being bought under the emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces to augment critical operational capabilities following Operation Sindoor, defence sources said.

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The Indian Army is procuring Javelin missiles in limited numbers. Under the emergency framework, the armed forces can make purchases of up to ₹300 crore for each equipment category.

Deliveries of contracts under the sixth tranche of emergency procurements (EP-6) are expected to begin by the end of 2026-27, sources said.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi welcomed the signing of the LOA, saying it demonstrated the growing depth of the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership and would pave the way for greater cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries.

“With the signing of the LOA, India becomes a customer of the Javelin system,” the Embassy said.

The Javelin is a medium-range, anti-tank guided missile designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified positions. Its fire-and-forget capability lets the operator fire the missile and move to another position without having to guide it throughout its flight.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the agreement reflected a defence partnership that was “growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential”. He said the agreement demonstrated U.S. support for the Indian Army and created new opportunities for the two countries to work together.

The Javelin system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising RTX and Lockheed Martin. Currently, the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and several international customers operate it.

The U.S. Embassy said the signing would facilitate discussions on mutually beneficial co-production and create additional opportunities to strengthen the defence industrial bases of India and the U.S.

The procurement assumes significance in the backdrop of India’s efforts to rapidly strengthen its anti-armour capabilities following Operation Sindoor, while simultaneously deepening defence-industrial cooperation with the U.S.