TATA Advanced Systems Limited has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, on the potential indigenous production of the Javelin anti-tank missile. Under the envisaged agreement, TATA Advanced Systems would become the lead industrial partner for developing final assembly, integration, and component manufacturing in India.
The scope of cooperation between the companies would include the Javelin All-Up Round, which is a complete missile sealed within its launch container and ready for use. Raytheon will provide the guidance electronics and Lockheed Martin will supply sub-assembly kits that India can use to assemble and integrate the weapon locally. Depending on India’s interests in further local content and technology transfer to its manufacturers, the project has the potential to foster a local missile supply chain.
Javelin is an American man-portable, fire-and-forget, anti-tank and multi-purpose guided missile manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is capable of hitting armoured vehicles, fortified positions and other tactical targets. Its seekers can lock and track the target, and once launched, the operator can seek cover from hostile fire. The deal comes amid the Indian Army’s acquisition of a Rs 292 Crore batch of Javelin Systems, and may help reduce weapon availability time while simultaneously promoting deeper domestic engagement in complex weapon production.
