According to an official statement by Lockheed Martin, it was revealed that, through its joint venture Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), the company is exploring the possibility of starting production of its anti-tank missiles in India to equip the local Armed Forces, with the launch of a competitive process to find a local partner. It is worth noting that, by mid-2024, the country was already taking the first steps in this initiative with the United States regarding the FGM-148 Javelin.
A few days ago, JJV, the joint venture created between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a state-owned Indian company with extensive experience in weapons production and advanced systems integration. This document will allow for the evaluation of the idea of manufacturing anti-tank missiles in India, which will help support the local industry while also providing effective anti-armor weapon systems.
“In recent months, we have met with potential Indian partners to discuss a competitive source selection process aimed at developing long-term strategic partnerships that will help India’s Ministry of Defense deter and defend against potential threats,” said Dave Pantano, vice president of Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin program director at Lockheed Martin.
It should be recalled that, by mid-last year, India was negotiating with the U.S. the option of locally producing FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles due to the need to supply the Indian Army with guided anti-tank missile systems, as it currently only possesses a batch of Israeli Spike missiles.
At that time, certain statements indicated that the selection process for a local company was closer than expected. Additionally, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) revealed that it was conducting the necessary tests on its own guided anti-tank missile, opening the door to a possible combination of technologies following the potential arrival of the FGM-148 Javelin. Beyond the fact that there is currently a project aimed at strengthening the local defense industry, the country and its armed forces require such capabilities, especially considering ongoing tensions with China in the Kashmir region and with Pakistan.
The Javelin is an anti-tank system developed in the 1980s by the U.S. Army, primarily recognized for its “fire-and-forget” capability, as it features infrared guidance technology that provides high levels of accuracy regardless of weather conditions. It should also be noted that these systems can be deployed in both direct attack mode and “top attack” mode, allowing them to penetrate enemy tank armor from above, increasing their lethality.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
