India's 15-Year Anti-Tank Missile Saga: From Spike to Javelin and Back Again

India's quest for a reliable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system has been a long and winding road, spanning over 15 years and involving multiple twists and turns. The latest development sees India and the United States rekindling talks for the joint production of Javelin ATGMs, marking a return to an option initially considered in 2010.

The Beginning: Javelin Consideration in 2010

In 2010, India intended to procure the US-made Javelin missiles. The Javelin, developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its fire-and-forget capability and effectiveness against modern tanks. However, the deal faced roadblocks due to disagreements over technology transfer and field trials.

Shift to Israel's Spike ATGMs

With the Javelin deal stalling, India turned to Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, opting for the Spike ATGMs in 2014. The Spike missiles were favored for their advanced technology and proven performance. Despite finalizing a $500 million deal and setting up a joint venture with India's Kalyani Group, the contract was later canceled due to cost issues and a shift in focus towards indigenization.

Indigenous Development: MP-ATGM

In response to the cancellations, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated the development of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM). This indigenous solution aimed to meet the Army's requirements for a lightweight, portable missile system. However, the MP-ATGM has reportedly struggled to meet the desired specifications in terms of weight and portability.

Javelin's International Acclaim and Renewed Interest

The Javelin system has gained international acclaim, particularly for its effectiveness in recent conflicts, including its use by Ukrainian forces against Russian armor. This has prompted renewed interest from India. The US has consistently advocated for the joint production of Javelins in India, viewing it as a means to enhance India's defense capabilities and deepen bilateral defense cooperation.

Recent Developments

High-level discussions between India and the US, including a visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have reignited the possibility of joint Javelin production in India. This development represents a significant shift in India's ATGM procurement strategy, as it once again considers a system that was nearly acquired over a decade ago.

Conclusion

India's anti-tank missile saga reflects the complexities of defense procurement and the challenges of balancing indigenous development with immediate operational needs. The successful joint production of Javelins in India would not only bolster the Indian Army's anti-tank arsenal but also signify a major milestone in India-US defense collaboration. However, the outcome of ongoing negotiations and the future of India's indigenous ATGM development remain uncertain, leaving the final chapter of this saga yet to be written【13†source】【14†source】.

This 15-year journey underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and the continuous evolution of military technology in addressing modern defense challenges.