Tata Advanced Systems, Javelin Joint Venture sign pact for co-production of anti-tank missiles in India

India’s defence manufacturing sector is set for a boost as Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) formalize plans to co-produce the Javelin anti-tank guided missile in the country. The memorandum of understanding signed between TASL and JJV — a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin — signals a major step toward establishing domestic final assembly and component manufacturing capabilities for the Javelin All Up Round (AUR) missile system.

The agreement follows the recent signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance between the Indian Army and the United States for the procurement of Javelin missiles through the Foreign Military Sales route. Under the emergency procurement powers invoked by India, the deal underscores the urgent need for advanced anti-tank capabilities amid evolving security challenges.

Under the industry MoU, TASL and JJV will explore setting up a final assembly and integration facility in India, with the potential for domestic manufacturing of key components. TASL was selected as the prime partner following a comprehensive evaluation of Indian firms based on technical capability, manufacturing readiness, and industry experience.

The proposed model involves the production of sub-assembly kits at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Troy, Alabama, and Guidance Electronics Units at Raytheon’s facility in Tucson, Arizona. These components will then be shipped to India for final assembly and integration, fostering a resilient supply chain and supporting high-technology job creation in both countries.

The initiative is expected to enhance India’s defence industrial base, strengthen supply chain resilience amid rising global demand for the Javelin system, and support the development of a skilled defence workforce. The collaboration will also sustain employment in the U.S. supply chain through multi-year production contracts.

Speaking on the partnership, Rich Liccion, vice-president of the Javelin Joint Venture and Programme Director at Lockheed Martin Javelin, said: “Partnering with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to establish a dedicated Javelin final assembly and integration facility in India is a pivotal step in ensuring a resilient supply chain for this critical anti-tank weapon system.”

Jenna Hunt Frazier, president of the JJV and Javelin Programme Director at Raytheon, added: “The agreement establishes a foundation for strengthening the global supply chain for Javelin and will support faster fielding and sustained readiness for partner nations.”

Sukaran Singh, CEO and managing director of TASL, highlighted the strategic value of the initiative: “Local assembly of the Javelin All Up Round will enhance operational readiness and ensure timely access to proven, combat-ready capability for the Indian Armed Forces.”

The Javelin missile is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system co-developed and produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. This co-production arrangement represents a significant expansion of India-U.S. defence industrial cooperation, aligning with India’s push for greater domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, and strategic capability enhancement following regional security developments.

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