India, U.S. sign pact for Javelin anti-tank missiles under emergency powers

India has formalised its acquisition of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States, signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) on Friday. The procurement is being executed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales route, marking a notable advancement in bilateral defence ties.

Defence sources indicated that the missile systems are being acquired under the emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces, aimed at augmenting critical operational capabilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army will initially procure the Javelin missiles in limited numbers, with deliveries under the sixth tranche of emergency procurements expected to commence by the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi welcomed the signing, describing it as a demonstration of the growing depth of the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership. The Embassy noted that the agreement makes India a customer of the Javelin system and is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the defence industries of both nations.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that the agreement reflects a defence partnership that is "growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential," adding that it demonstrates U.S. support for the Indian Army and creates new avenues for collaboration.

The Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified positions. Its fire-and-forget capability allows the operator to relocate immediately after launch, without needing to guide the missile throughout its flight. The system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between RTX and Lockheed Martin, and is currently operated by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and several international customers.

The signing is also expected to facilitate discussions on mutually beneficial co-production, further strengthening the defence industrial bases of India and the U.S. The procurement comes amid India's broader efforts to rapidly bolster its anti-armour capabilities while deepening defence-industrial cooperation with Washington.