New Delhi: India is looking to augment its anti-armour capabilities with the planned acquisition of the Javelin anti-tank missile system, the weapon having been made in the US. The development was announced by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on 28th August as an important step in the defence ties between India and the United States.
The United States has signed the contract to sell Javelin to the Indian Army, US Embassy in India said. The number and value of specific systems are not being made public. Implementation of the agreement is underway via the USFMFltS.
The Javelin is a medium-range, portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system developed in a joint effort by US-based defence manufacturers Lockheed Martin and RTX. It is intended to be used for the attack of armoured vehicles or other targets. It is already in use by the United States Army and Marine Corps, and a few other nations.
One of the main selling points of the Javelin is that it is “fire and forget”. Once the missile has launched, the guidance system can track the target and the operator can make himself or herself get clear of the firing position. This can offer greater flexibility and protection to the soldier in combat.
There is also a “top attack” missile mode, which is mounted upward and then it shoots at targets from the sky. This enables it to strike vulnerable points of armoured vehicles.
The deal holds special importance not just for the weapon but also for fresh opportunities for cooperation in the defence sector in India. Ambassador Sergio Gor said the agreement leaves a door open for co-production possibilities, which will create more opportunities for cooperation between Indian and US defence firms.
India has been moving towards the modernization of its armed forces and has increased ties with the United States, highlighting the need for the planned Javelin acquisition. It also points to an increased emphasis on sophisticated, such as mobile and precision-guided guns for the Indian military.
In sum, the Javelin deal would give the Indian Army a more significant anti-tank capability and boost the burgeoning India-US defence relations.
