News Excerpt:
In a recent high-level meeting, India and the United States held discussions on the co-production of American Javelin missiles in India.
More about the news:
- The collaboration aims to meet the Indian military's significant demand for advanced anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
- Javelin missiles, developed and produced by American defense giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, are renowned for their advanced technology and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
Javelin Missiles:
- The Javelin missile system is a third-generation ATGM, equipped with a fire-and-forget capability.
- This allows the operator to guide the missile to its target without maintaining a line of sight, significantly increasing its operational effectiveness and safety.
- The missile employs an advanced imaging infrared seeker and has a tandem warhead, designed to defeat modern armor, including explosive reactive armor (ERA).
- The missile is shoulder-fired, making it lightweight and easy to carry by troops, even in difficult terrain.
- The system consists of the missile itself, a launcher, a target acquisition system, and a fire control unit.
- The portability and ease of use are particularly beneficial for operations in challenging environments.
Significance of ATGMs for India:
- The requirement for such advanced ATGMs has been long-standing for the Indian Army.
- Previously, India had to procure a limited number of Israeli Spike ATGMs to meet urgent needs. However, the ongoing discussions with the US aim to establish a more sustainable solution through joint production.
- India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also progressing with its indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) program.
- The MP-ATGM has undergone several successful field evaluations, demonstrating the technology's superiority.
-
- The system includes similar components to the Javelin, such as the missile, launcher, target acquisition system, and fire control unit.
- The Indian military's preference for shoulder-fired missile systems stems from the need for lightweight, easily transportable weapons that can be operated by small teams in difficult terrain.
- The Javelin missile system's advanced technology and proven performance make it a strong candidate for meeting these requirements.
- As discussions progress, the Indian partner for the joint production of the missile system will be identified.
The collaboration between India and the US represents a significant step towards enhancing India's defense capabilities through advanced technology and international cooperation.
