Javelin Deal Cleared: Army Bolsters Anti-Tank Arsenal With 12 Launchers, 104 Missiles

Despite

the Modi government’s emphasis on aatmanirbharata or self reliance, and also, the recent cooling of relations with the United States of America, the purchase of the Javelin anti- tank missile is going ahead. The Javelin deal is one of the rare cases of import of weapons systems.

Javelin Purchase Moves Ahead

The Army, through the Emergency Procurement or EP Programme has asked for 12 launchers and 104 missiles.The Javelin, the Stryker armoured vehicle and the P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft all came up during the Modi-Trump discussions earlier this year.The negotiations for the P8I is still on and it may take time while the trials for the amphibious version of the Stryker is coming up in Alaska.

Army Eyes Advanced Anti-Tank Weapons Beyond Javelin

Besides, the Javelin, which performed well in the Russia-Ukraine war, the Army is looking at various kinds of anti-tank missiles including the MP or Man Portable system and a fourth-generation one as well.Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, director general (Infantry), of the Indian Army, said 4.25 lakh carbines were being purchased indigenously. Sixty percent of them would come from Bharat Forge and the rest from PLR, a public sector firm. This would replace the 9mm carbine as a close quarter battle weapon, Lieutenant General Kumar said.The emergency procurement would also be for bullet-proof jackets, better helmets, night sights, anti-tank weapons and drones, for surveillance and the delivery of weapons.