Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)

Why in News?

India has finalised the acquisition of the FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system from the United States. On 28 August 2026, the Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism.

About Javelin Missile

• Weapon: FGM-148 Javelin
• Type: Man-portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
• Origin: United States
• Producers: Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon)
• Guidance: Fire-and-forget
• Operation: Shoulder-fired and can be operated by a single soldier.
• Target: Primarily armoured vehicles, including tanks.
• Lock-on-before-launch: The operator locks onto the target before firing.
• After launch, the missile automatically tracks the target, allowing the operator to move to cover.
• Top-attack capability: The missile follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory and attacks the relatively less-protected top surface of a tank.
• Its relatively low weight enables troops to quickly reposition after firing.
• The U.S. State Department approved the proposed sale to India in November 2025.
• The acquisition is expected to strengthen India–U.S. defence cooperation and enhance the Indian Army’s anti-armour capabilities.

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