India signs deal with US to buy Javelin anti-tank missile systems

The value of the deal has not been disclosed. But this is understood to be part of the commitment by India given to the US to level the balance of payment which had been tilted in India ‘s favour, part of President Donald Trump ‘s economic pressure on countries doing business with the USA.

The medium-range guided missile system, jointly produced by Lockheed Martin and RTX, is designed for use against a range of targets, including armoured vehicles, the embassy said.

The shoulder-fired Javelin system features an automatic guidance mechanism that allows the missile to track its target after launch, enabling the operator to take cover and avoid counterfire.

The missile system is already in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, as well as several international customers, the embassy added.

The agreement creates new opportunities for the defence industries of both countries to work together, U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said.

There has been no word from India ‘s Defence Ministry on the deal so far.

India is the world’s fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

This comes amidst growing strain in bilateral ties over high US tariffs on ​Indian goods, as punishment for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, while engaging closely with India’s arch-rival Pakistan.