Javelin Anti-Tank Missile
Prelims:
International Relations
Mains:
GS Paper II – International
Relations, GS Paper III – Security
Current relevance:
India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.
Highlights:
About Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile:
1.
Type: Medium-range anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
2.
Role: Designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified
positions.
3.
A major operational feature is its fire-and-forget
capability.
4.
Once fired, the operator does not have to guide the
missile throughout its flight and can move to another position.
5.
The system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture,
comprising RTX and Lockheed Martin.
6. It is currently
operated by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and several international customers.
Significance for India’s Defence Preparedness:
1.
The procurement is intended to augment critical
operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces.
2.
It contributes to India's efforts to rapidly
strengthen its anti-armour capabilities following Operation Sindoor.
3.
Its fire-and-forget capability allows the
operator to relocate after launch instead of continuously guiding the missile.
4. The procurement adds
to the growing depth of the India–U.S. Major Defence Partnership.
Defence-Industrial Cooperation:
1.
The agreement is expected to create opportunities for
greater cooperation between the defence industries of India and the U.S.
2.
The signing of the LOA is expected to facilitate
discussions on mutually beneficial co-production.
3.
Such cooperation could provide additional
opportunities to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both countries.
4.
Thus, the procurement has significance beyond
immediate acquisition by linking operational capability enhancement with
deeper India–U.S. defence-industrial cooperation.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-sign-agreement-for-procurement-of-javelin-anti-tank-missile-system/article71399680.ece