The United States and India have taken another significant step toward expanding their defense cooperation after the Javelin Joint Venture signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to explore co-producing Javelin All-Up-Round missiles in India.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor welcomed the development, describing the collaboration as an important advancement in the defense relationship between Washington and New Delhi. He said the partnership could create additional opportunities for American companies while supporting the US defense-industrial base and expanding India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The Javelin Joint Venture, formed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, or TASL, for the potential co-production of the Javelin missile system in India. The companies said the agreement represents an effort to combine American defense technology and supply chains with India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.
TASL was selected as the primary Indian partner following an assessment of several companies based on their technical capabilities and manufacturing expertise. Under the proposed arrangement, the partners will examine the possibility of establishing a dedicated facility in India for the final assembly and integration of Javelin missiles. The initiative could also involve the development of domestic capabilities for manufacturing selected components.
The proposed production model would involve manufacturing activities in both countries. Sub-assembly kits would continue to be produced at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Alabama, while guidance electronics would be supplied from Raytheon’s operations in Arizona. These components would then be transported to India for final assembly and integration.
The companies said this approach would support skilled manufacturing employment in both nations while creating a more resilient international supply chain. It is also expected to help address future production requirements and strengthen defense preparedness among partner countries.
Officials from the Javelin Joint Venture said the partnership could expand India’s technical knowledge and manufacturing expertise while improving the availability of the anti-tank weapon system. They also highlighted the potential importance of a stronger supply chain for maintaining readiness and responding more quickly to emerging security challenges.
Tata Advanced Systems said the collaboration would bring important assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defense industry. The company added that local assembly could improve operational readiness and provide the Indian Armed Forces with more timely access to the established weapon system.
The initiative also supports broader US-India cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, where both countries have been working to strengthen defense partnerships and industrial collaboration.
The Javelin system is jointly developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. To date, the joint venture has produced more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and over 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units, making the system a widely deployed anti-tank weapon platform.
