India Set to Produce Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles with US Agreement to Counter China.

According to ANI News, India and the United States are advancing in their military cooperation with recent discussions about the co-production of Javelin anti-tank missiles on Indian soil. This initiative, revealed during a high-level visit by a U.S. delegation to India, is part of a broader effort to strengthen defense ties between the two nations.
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Raytheon Javelin anti-tank missile system (Picture source: Raytheon)

According to defense sources, the Indian Army urgently needs to equip itself with modern anti-tank guided missiles, particularly to replace emergency acquisitions of Israeli Spike missiles. Officials emphasize the importance of a sustainable solution through this collaboration, which could also support the local defense industry.

The project envisages the integration of advanced technologies and the establishment of local production that could not only meet the immediate needs of the Indian Army but also promote the country's technological independence in defense.

Discussions between the two countries are not new, but they are taking a more concrete turn with implementation plans that will soon be unveiled. "The Indian partner for the joint venture will be selected later," the sources indicated, noting that discussions are at a preliminary but promising stage.

The Javelin missile system, known for its precision and ability to destroy tanks from a shoulder launch, is developed jointly by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. This system has been widely used by the U.S. armed forces and sold to several U.S. allies.

India's Defense Research and Development Organization also plans to conduct trials of its own man-portable anti-tank missile to complement and potentially integrate Javelin technologies into its future developments.

This partnership between India and the United States could mark a decisive turning point in the modernization of the Indian arsenal and strengthen strategic ties between the two powers in a region where security stakes are constantly evolving.

The Javelin is an infrared-guided anti-tank missile system used by the U.S. military and many other allied countries. Designed to destroy tanks and other armored targets from a shoulder-fired position, the Javelin is famous for its ability to lock onto its target before launch and its "fire-and-forget" capability, allowing the operator to take cover immediately after firing. The missile uses infrared guidance technology to ensure high accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions, and can strike a target in direct or top-attack mode for optimal armor penetration.

In Ukraine, the Javelin has been widely used during the conflict with Russia, where it has been praised for its effectiveness against tanks and armored vehicles. The missiles, partly supplied by the United States as part of its military support to Ukraine, have demonstrated their ability to change dynamics on the ground thanks to their portability and firepower. Ukrainian forces have used these systems to inflict significant losses on Russian armored vehicles, thus bolstering their defense against a numerically superior advance. It has even been nicknamed "St. Javelin" by Ukrainian forces.

Historically, the Javelin missile was developed in the 1980s and first deployed by the U.S. armed forces in the mid-1990s. It has been used in several conflicts, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it proved its worth by neutralizing fortified positions and enemy armored vehicles. Over the years, the Javelin has evolved with technological updates to enhance its range, accuracy, and ability to counter the advanced protection measures of modern tanks. Its reputation as an effective deterrent on the battlefield has made it a crucial element in the military arsenals of many countries.

The need to strengthen Indian anti-tank capabilities originates from the situation in the Ladakh Valley, a strategic region of Kashmir under Indian administration. This area has long been a point of friction between India and China, exacerbating tensions between these two great powers. Located in the imposing Western Himalayan range, the Ladakh Valley is crucial not only for its military implications but also for the natural resources it harbors.

Tensions in this region have deep historical roots, largely due to the poorly defined borders resulting from the Sino-Indian War of 1962. At that time, the two countries clashed over several sections of their over 3,000-kilometer-long border, including what India calls Aksai Chin, controlled by China but claimed by India. Subsequent agreements aimed at maintaining peace and demilitarizing contested areas have not always been respected, leading to sporadic clashes and diplomatic stalemates.

The escalation of tensions was particularly notable in 2020, when a violent clash occurred in the Ladakh region, resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident marked a significant escalation in border confrontations, leading to a massive military buildup by both nations. India and China have since attempted to negotiate through military and diplomatic talks, but progress has been slow, and both parties maintain an increased military presence in the region.