India is moving to strengthen its anti-armour capabilities with a new US defence deal, signing an agreement to acquire FGM-148 Javelin missile systems.
The US Embassy in India announced the agreement on Friday but did not reveal its value.
Produced by Lockheed Martin and RTX, the Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget missile.
It is designed to strike targets including armoured vehicles.
What makes it particularly useful? Its “top-attack” profile allows the missile to fly over a target before hitting it from above, where armour is generally weaker.
Defence Ties Hold Firm
Lockheed Martin describes the system as the “world’s premier shoulder-fired anti-armour system.”
The deal comes despite recent strains in US-India relations over tariffs, Russian oil purchases and Washington’s engagement with Pakistan.
Defence cooperation, however, appears to be holding firm.
India, the world’s fifth-largest military spender, has also approved roughly $5.46 billion in military acquisitions.
These include missiles, electronic warfare systems and kamikaze drones.
With New Delhi expanding its defence arsenal, the message is clear.
Geopolitical tensions may shift, but India’s push to modernise its military is not slowing down.
