The Indian Army is set to acquire US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, ending a nearly 17-year search for an advanced tank-killing system.

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• The Indian Army is preparing to acquire a limited batch of US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.
• The procurement is being processed through the US Foreign Military Sales system under the Army’s emergency procurement powers.
• Javelin uses an imaging infrared seeker that locks onto the target before the missile is launched.
• Its fire-and-forget capability allows operators to take cover immediately after launching the missile instead of guiding it until impact.
• The missile’s top-attack capability targets the relatively weaker top armour of tanks and can penetrate explosive reactive armour.
• In November 2025, the US Department of Defense notified Congress of a potential sale involving 100 missiles, 25 launchers and related equipment.
• India’s interest in the Javelin dates back to 2009, when Indian soldiers tested the missile during Exercise Yudh Abhyas.
• India later selected Israel’s Spike missile, but the procurement faced repeated delays and was eventually limited to emergency purchases.
• India is also advancing its indigenous anti-tank missile programme, with the DRDO-developed system progressing through testing for possible induction.
• The Javelin acquisition could eventually open opportunities for joint production and manufacturing in India, supporting the country’s defence self-reliance goals.