India signs deal with US to buy Javelin anti-tank missile systems
LMT•India signs agreement to buy Javelin systems
The Indian Army has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase Javelin anti-tank missile systems, the U.S. Embassy in India said on Friday, without disclosing the value of the deal.
The medium-range guided missile system, jointly produced by Lockheed Martin and RTX, is designed for use against a range of targets, including armoured vehicles, the embassy said. The missile system is already in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, as well as several international customers, the embassy added.
Broader India-U.S. defence ties remain in focus
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.
India and the U.S. signed a 10-year defence framework agreement in October.
Although ties between the countries have deteriorated in recent months, with Washington imposing high tariffs on Indian goods, punishing New Delhi for purchasing Russian oil, and engaging closely with India's arch-rival Pakistan, the defence relationship has remained unaffected.
U.S. says deal creates new defence opportunities
The agreement creates new opportunities for the defence industries of both countries to work together, U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said.
“We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defence industrial bases of both countries,” he said.
New Delhi was not immediately available for comment on the agreement.
