During a recent high-level visit by U.S. officials to India, negotiations have been disclosed regarding India’s pursuit to locally produce FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles, among other defense matters aimed at strengthening ties between both countries.
Statements from officials involved in the negotiations suggest a promising ongoing process: “The Indian partner for the joint venture will be selected in the near future.” Additionally, the Defense Research and Development Organization has announced plans to soon commence testing its own guided anti-tank missile, potentially combining technologies with the arrival of FGM-148 Javelins.
The significance of acquiring such capabilities cannot be overstated for the Indian Army, particularly amid ongoing tensions with China over the disputed Ladakh region in the Himalayas. The border disputes, stemming from unresolved issues since the 1962 Sino-Indian war, have seen recent escalations in troop deployments following skirmishes in 2020.
With potential conflict scenarios in mind, the Indian Army seeks to integrate Javelin missiles, renowned for their effectiveness in various conflicts including those in Ukraine, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Developed by the U.S. Army in the 1980s, Javelin systems are notable for their “fire-and-forget” capability using infrared guidance technology, ensuring high precision regardless of weather conditions. These versatile systems can be deployed in direct attack or “top attack” modes, enhancing their lethality by penetrating enemy tank armor from above.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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