Tata Takes a Key Step in Javelin Missile Manufacturing

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group company, has entered into a key partnership to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing sector. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership involving US defence companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, for the production of the globally recognised Javelin All-Up Round anti-tank missile system. Under the proposed plan, the partners aim to establish a final assembly and integration facility in India, along with a centre for manufacturing key components.

Under the arrangement, major sub-assembly kits and guidance electronic units produced at facilities in the United States will be transported to India for final assembly. The partnership is expected to strengthen India’s defence supply chain, promote advanced skill development and create new employment opportunities. It could also help provide modern defence equipment to the Indian armed forces more efficiently, while large-scale production may reduce the cost per missile. India has also prepared plans to procure 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles, one Fly-to-Buy missile and 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units under an estimated Rs 434.84 crore Foreign Military Sales programme.