Internal Security UPSC

🔆 Why India Took 16 Years to Acquire Javelin Missiles 📍 Why in News? 🟢 After 16 years of deliberation, India has finalised a deal to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system from the US through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. 🟢 The long procurement journey highlights the complexities of major defence acquisitions involving technology transfer, indigenous production and strategic partnerships. 📍 How Did the Procurement Journey Begin? 🟢 In August 2010, the government expressed its intention to procure third-generation ATGMs through the FMS route, with a possible Transfer of Technology (ToT). 🟢 The requirement arose due to a shortage of ATGMs in the Indian Army and delays in indigenous systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 🟢 Javelin was considered suitable for addressing immediate capability gaps. 📍 Why Was the Deal Delayed? 🟢 The acquisition was initially stalled due to stringent US restrictions on technology transfer. 🟢 India sought a 100% ToT model, while the US faced restrictions on sharing critical missile technology. 🟢 India subsequently shifted its focus to Israel’s Spike missile system. 📍 Deal for Spike 🟢 In 2014, India decided to pursue Spike ATGMs because of expectations of greater flexibility in technology transfer and local production. 🟢 The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the purchase of over 8,000 Spike ATGMs. 🟢 However, contract negotiations faced problems relating to the missile’s performance in trials, technology transfer and progress in India’s indigenous man-portable ATGM programme. 🟢 The proposed $500 million order was cancelled in 2017. 🟢 In 2023, the Kalyani Group and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Systems formed a joint venture to manufacture the Spike missile system in India. 📍 Back to Javelin 🟢 The Javelin re-emerged in India-US strategic discussions amid deepening defence cooperation. 🟢 Discussions on possible co-production were also underway. 🟢 In February 2025, India-US defence majors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon explored co-assembly and co-production opportunities for Javelin in India. 🟢 Discussions gained momentum after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when India sought the Javelin through an emergency procurement route and later explored long-term arrangements. 🟢 The sale was officially cleared by Washington in November 2025. 📍 Why Is the Javelin Important? 🟢 The Javelin is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system. 🟢 It is developed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. 🟢 Its acquisition is expected to strengthen India’s anti-armour capabilities and address critical gaps in the Army’s ATGM inventory. 📍 Key Takeaway 🟢 The 16-year journey shows that defence procurement is shaped not merely by cost or military capability, but also by technology transfer, indigenous production, strategic autonomy and geopolitical partnerships. 🟢 India’s shift from Javelin to Spike and eventually back to Javelin reflects its attempt to balance immediate military requirements with the long-term objective of defence indigenisation. 🔹 UPSC Mains Question: “India’s prolonged acquisition of the Javelin missile system highlights the tension between immediate defence preparedness and the long-term pursuit of strategic autonomy through indigenous defence production.” Discuss. #Defence