Context:

India has formally submitting a request to the United States for the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) under the "Make in India" initiative. This move aims to enhance indigenous defence capabilities, reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, and strengthen defence indigenisation.

About Javelin ATGM

The Javelin is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in the United States.

·        It uses infrared imaging for guidance and has a top-attack capability, making it highly effective against modern tanks.

·        The missile's lightweight and portable design makes it suitable for Indian Army operations in difficult terrains like the Himalayas.

Strategic Importance for India

The co-production of Javelin missiles is critical for India, particularly in light of threats posed by China and Pakistan. Enhancing India's anti-tank warfare capabilities will provide a significant boost to its defence preparedness.

·        The Javelin missile system has proven its effectiveness in combat, particularly in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where it has been used to destroy Russian tanks .

Benefits of Co-Production

The co-production of Javelin missiles will not only enhance India's defence capabilities but also-

·        Reduce Dependency on Foreign Suppliers: Indigenous co-production will reduce India's reliance on foreign support and ensure operational readiness.

·        Support "Make in India" Initiative: The co-production deal aligns with the government's "Make in India" initiative, aimed at strengthening local defence production and minimizing reliance on foreign suppliers.

·        Deepen Indo-US Defence Ties: The co-production deal will strengthen defence cooperation between India and the US, paving the way for collaborative advancements in defence technologies.

Conclusion:

The talks between India and the US are reportedly in advanced stages, with emergency procurement of Javelin missiles likely in the interim. The co-production deal will involve technology transfer, domestic manufacturing, and testing of the missiles in India. This move is expected to significantly bolster India's anti-tank warfare capacity and reduce reliance on external suppliers during emergencies.