Javelin Missile

Javelin Missile :  Recently, in a major step to enhance indigenous defence capabilities, India formally submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States for the co-production of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) within the country.

o Aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, the proposal seeks to boost operational readiness and reduce reliance on foreign military suppliers.

• About Javelin Missile: A man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system developed jointly by U.S. defence giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

o It is specifically designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles such as main battle tanks, as well as lighter military vehicles.

o In addition to its primary anti-tank role, the missile is also effective against a range of other targets, including bunkers, fortifications, and even low-flying helicopters.

o Key Features : Range: It has an effective operational range of up to 2.5 km.

- Fire-and-forget capability: The missile locks onto the target before launch and guides itself automatically, allowing the operator to take cover immediately after firing.

- Guidance System: It employs an advanced infrared imaging system for automatic target tracking.

- Top-Attack Capability: Equipped with a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, it can destroy modern tanks by striking them from above where armour is weakest.

- Versatility: It can also be used for direct attacks on fortifications and hardened positions.