India-US Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Deal (Defense Sector)
India-US Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Deal (Defense Sector)
Why In News:
The Indian Army has signed an agreement with the United States for the procurement of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems.
What is the Javelin Missile System?
FGM-148 Javelin is a anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that is man-portable, shoulder-launched, medium-range designed primarily to engage tanks and other armoured targets.
Fire-and-Forget: It follows a fire-and-forget principle, allowing the operator to take cover or reposition after launch without continuously guiding the missile.
Guidance System: The system uses an imaging infrared seeker for target acquisition and guidance.
Attack Modes: It can employ a top-attack mode, striking the relatively weaker upper armour of tanks, as well as a direct-attack mode against suitable targets.
System Components: The system can be operated by a single soldier and consists broadly of a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) and a missile contained in a disposable launch-tube assembly.
India–US Defence Cooperation Framework
The United States designated India as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) in 2016, creating a framework for closer defence technology and industrial cooperation.
The US granted India STA-1 (Strategic Trade Authorization-1) status in 2018, facilitating India's access to a wider range of high-technology defence and dual-use items subject to US export-control rules.
Defence Agreements
LEMOA (2016): Facilitates reciprocal access to designated military facilities for logistics support.
COMCASA (2018): Provides a framework for sharing secure communications equipment and information.
BECA (2020): Enables sharing of geospatial information and advanced satellite-based data for defence applications.
GSOMIA (2002): Provides a framework for protecting classified military information exchanged between the two countries.
INDUS-X, launched in 2023, promotes collaboration between Indian and US defence start-ups, innovators, investors and defence industries, with emphasis on emerging technologies and co-development.
The India–US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue brings together the Foreign/External Affairs and Defence Ministers of both countries to discuss strategic, defence and security cooperation.