Javelin co-production deal: India-US defence partnership hits new milestone
Synopsis
India and the US have moved beyond the buyer-seller defence relationship: Tata Advanced Systems has been chosen as prime partner to co-produce the Javelin AUR on Indian soil, with sub-assemblies shipped from Alabama and Arizona for final integration in India. It is one of the most advanced US weapons systems to enter Indian co-production, and a direct signal of how far the bilateral defence-industrial relationship has travelled.
Key Takeaways
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) — comprising Lockheed Martin and Raytheon — signed an MOU for Javelin AUR co-production in India.
TASL was selected as the prime partner for in-country co-production after an evaluation of multiple companies.
Sub-assembly kits will be made at Lockheed Martin's Troy, Alabama facility; GEUs at Raytheon's Tucson, Arizona plant — both shipped to India for final assembly.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor called the deal 'a major step forward' for the India-US defence partnership in a post on X .
Ambassador Gor met NSA Ajit Doval last month to discuss deepening US-India strategic cooperation .
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday, 1 September described the Javelin All Up Round (AUR) co-production agreement between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) as 'a major step forward' for the India-US defence partnership, signalling a deepening of bilateral defence-industrial ties. The deal, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), marks the first structured co-production arrangement for the Javelin system on Indian soil.
Key Developments
Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) — a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin — have signed an MOU for Javelin AUR co-production in India, according to a press statement issued by Lockheed Martin. Following an evaluation of multiple companies based on capability and expertise, TASL was selected by the JJV as the prime partner for future in-country co-production efforts.
Under the MOU, TASL and the JJV will explore establishing a facility in India for final assembly and integration of the Javelin AUR, along with capabilities for component production.
What the Agreement Entails
The co-production structure involves a two-country supply chain. Sub-assembly kits will be manufactured at Lockheed Martin's facility in Troy, Alabama, while guidance electronics units (GEUs) will be produced at Raytheon's plant in Tucson, Arizona. Both will then be shipped to India for final assembly and integration — a model that sustains American jobs while building India's defence manufacturing base.
The Lockheed Martin statement noted that the arrangement 'will support future production of the Javelin system while providing unique opportunities for Indian industry and strengthening regional stability for the Indo-Pacific.'
What the US Ambassador Said
Posting on X, Ambassador Sergio Gor said: 'A major step forward for the U.S.-India defense partnership. This collaboration between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited will create new opportunities for U.S. companies, strengthen America's defense-industrial base, and boost India's manufacturing capabilities.'
The ambassador's remarks follow a meeting last month with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, where the two discussed deepening strategic cooperation. Gor had posted on X after that meeting: 'Had a fruitful meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss deepening US-India strategic cooperation. Our close partnership with India is vital to addressing global security challenges.'
Why This Matters
The Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile widely used by NATO allies. Co-producing it in India signals a qualitative shift in the bilateral defence relationship — from buyer-seller to co-manufacturer. This comes amid broader Indo-Pacific security concerns and India's push to localise defence production under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Notably, this is among the most advanced US weapons systems to be co-produced on Indian soil, and the selection of a Tata Group entity underscores the growing role of Indian private industry in defence manufacturing. The agreement is expected to set a precedent for similar co-production arrangements across other platforms.
Point of View
Rather than direct sale, means the US is willing to share manufacturing stakes, not just hardware. That said, MOU-to-facility is a long road: India's defence co-production history is littered with agreements that stalled at the integration stage. The real test is whether TASL can stand up a credible final-assembly line within a commercially viable timeline, and whether the JJV is prepared to transfer enough technology to make 'Made in India' meaningful rather than cosmetic.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Javelin AUR co-production deal between India and the US?
It is a memorandum of understanding signed between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Javelin Joint Venture — a partnership of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon — to co-produce the Javelin All Up Round in India. The deal involves setting up a facility in India for final assembly and integration of the Javelin system, with sub-components supplied from US facilities.
Why was Tata Advanced Systems selected for the Javelin co-production?
Tata Advanced Systems was chosen by the Javelin Joint Venture as the prime partner following an evaluation of multiple Indian companies based on manufacturing capability and technical expertise. The selection reflects TASL's growing position in India's private defence manufacturing sector.
How will the Javelin co-production supply chain work?
Sub-assembly kits will be produced at Lockheed Martin's facility in Troy, Alabama, and guidance electronics units at Raytheon's Tucson, Arizona plant. Both will be shipped to India, where Tata Advanced Systems will handle final assembly and integration of the Javelin AUR.
What did US Ambassador Sergio Gor say about the deal?
Ambassador Sergio Gor described the collaboration as 'a major step forward for the U.S.-India defense partnership,' adding that it would create new opportunities for US companies, strengthen America's defence-industrial base, and boost India's manufacturing capabilities. He posted this assessment on X.
How does this deal fit into the broader India-US defence relationship?
The Javelin co-production MOU represents a shift from India being primarily a buyer of US defence equipment to becoming a manufacturing partner. It aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat defence push and comes amid deepening Indo-Pacific security cooperation, including Ambassador Gor's recent meeting with NSA Ajit Doval on strategic collaboration.
