INDIA has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, giving the Indian Army access to the US-made system while opening opportunities for further cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries.
The Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the purchase of the Javelin system through the US Foreign Military Sales process, the US Embassy in India said Friday. The number of Javelin systems India will procure and the overall value of the agreement were not immediately disclosed.
The United States welcomed the signing, saying the agreement reflects the partnership between the US and Indian armed forces and opens the door for future collaboration between the defense industries of the two countries.
“This agreement reflects a defense partnership that is growing deeper, more capable, and more consequential,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.
“The Javelin agreement demonstrates the depth of US support for the Indian Army and creates new opportunities for our defense industries to work together. We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defense industrial bases of both countries,” Gor said.
With the signing of the LOA, India becomes a customer of the Javelin system, an advanced, medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile.
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The Javelin is designed for use against a wide array of targets, including armored vehicles and fortified positions. It is used by the US Army, US Marine Corps and numerous international customers.
The Javelin system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin.
The US said the agreement also creates opportunities for the defense industries of the two countries to work together, including through discussions on mutually beneficial co-production.
“The landmark signature further strengthens the US-India Major Defense Partnership by demonstrating the depth of ongoing US support to the Indian Army,” the American readout said.
“It also opens discussions on mutually beneficial co-production and additional opportunities to strengthen the defense industrial bases of both countries,” it said.
The agreement therefore gives India access to the Javelin system while also opening discussions on further cooperation between Indian and US defense industries.
New Delhi was not immediately available for comment on the agreement.
India is the world's fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
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India and the US signed a 10-year defense framework agreement in October. Although ties between the countries have deteriorated in recent months, with Washington imposing high tariffs on Indian goods, taking action against New Delhi over its purchase of Russian oil and engaging closely with India's arch-rival Pakistan, the defense relationship has remained unaffected.
The Javelin agreement adds to the defense relationship between India and the US and opens opportunities for cooperation between their defense industries, including discussions on co-production.
A mud-covered building following a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, August 26, 2026.Reuters.
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