American FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems received even greater popularity thanks to their effectiveness in Ukraine against russian tanks. Therefore unsurprising India wants to localize them and actively approaches implementing this plan.
Joint Lockheed Martin and Raytheon company for managing ATGM work — Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) signed Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Tata Advanced Systems Limited. According to it, parties will consider joint production possibilities.
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This involves deploying in India final assembly and integration of Javelin All Up Round (AUR) anti-tank missiles, as well as manufacturing some components. Lockheed Martin notes such localization will ensure Javelin supply and deployment in Indo-Pacific region.
They also add new production may help increase system massiveness, enabling somewhat reducing this weapon cost. At same time it will support enterprises in U.S., specifically Lockheed Martin plant in Troy, Alabama, where pre-assembled units are made, and Raytheon plant in Tucson, Arizona, where guidance and electronics unit (GEU) blocks are made.
Defense Express notes India thus managed to agree with ATGM manufacturers on seeking localization possibilities. However so far publicly there was no information about official full production permission from U.S. government, and only negotiations were reported.
Overall from announcement it follows American side primarily sees this project as Indian industry assembling Javelin from U.S.-manufactured blanks. At same time it will do this not only for itself but potentially for other customers in Indo-Pacific region.
Despite economic and industrial advantages of such cooperation, India seeks deeper weapons localization within its Made in India program. Most likely further negotiations between parties will be directed specifically at determining production localization depth.
Main good news is India will purchase weapons from U.S., meaning money will not go to russian defense industry. At same time worth noting russia currently has no own third-generation ATGMs comparable to Javelin.
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