About 15 years after initially deciding on an anti-tank missile system, only to later consider Israeli and indigenous solutions, India and the US are back at the negotiating table for the joint production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.
Defense experts expressed little surprise at this turn of events, attributing it to the US’s persistent pursuit of the deal and the failure of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a credible alternative. Recent discussions on joint production occurred during a high-level visit from US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
India first announced plans to acquire the Javelins in August 2010 under the US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route, which involves direct negotiation with the US government. However, in 2012, the deal stalled over technology transfer issues and reluctance from the American government to participate in field trials.
In 2014, under the Modi government, India decided to buy 8,356 Spike anti-tank guided missiles and 321 launchers from Israel, rejecting the US offer of Javelin missiles. The deal included a transfer of technology to Bharat Dynamics Limited for large-scale manufacturing.
Despite plans to induct Israeli ATGMs, DRDO pitched for the indigenous Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM), a third-generation ‘fire and forget’ missile derived from India’s NAG ATGM. However, the MP-ATGM, still under development and tested several times, has been found to be heavier than desired, undermining its portability.
With the US renewing its offer for joint production of the Javelin in 2019, and India continuing to purchase small volumes of Spike missiles, discussions have resumed for a collaborative effort. The Indian partner for the joint production of the Javelin system will be identified at a later stage as talks progress.
