Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the aerospace and defence arm of the Tata Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin, to explore the co-production of Javelin All Up Round (AUR) missiles in India.
Under the agreement, TASL has been selected as the prime Indian partner for potential future Javelin production in the country following an evaluation of multiple companies based on their capabilities and technical expertise. The proposed collaboration is expected to examine the establishment of a dedicated final assembly and integration facility for the Javelin AUR, alongside manufacturing capabilities for selected components in India.
The proposed production model would connect existing Javelin manufacturing operations in the United States with final assembly and integration activities in India. Under the arrangement, Lockheed Martin’s facility in Troy, Alabama, would undertake multiyear production of sub-assembly kits, while Raytheon’s facility in Tucson, Arizona, would manufacture guidance electronics units. These components would subsequently be shipped to India for final assembly and integration.
The companies said the proposed arrangement would expand India’s defence manufacturing capabilities while also maintaining employment and activity across the US supply chain. Bringing final assembly and integration of the Javelin system to Indian facilities could create high-technology manufacturing opportunities, increase local expertise and broaden the weapon system’s global supply chain.
Focus on strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem
The proposed partnership represents another step toward deeper industrial cooperation between Indian and US defence companies. For TASL, the arrangement could bring specialised assembly capabilities and technical knowledge into India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, described the agreement as the next stage in the company’s longstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
The collaboration, Singh said, would bring critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem while supporting greater self-reliance. He also said local assembly of the Javelin AUR could improve operational readiness and provide the Indian Armed Forces with more timely access to the weapon system.
The proposed facility would also involve Indian suppliers, potentially creating opportunities for domestic companies to participate in the Javelin supply chain. The companies said the initiative could contribute to the development of India’s defence manufacturing workforce and create high-tech jobs.
Potential impact on Javelin supply and global demand
The Javelin Joint Venture said establishing a production presence in India could strengthen the resilience of the weapon system’s global supply chain. The companies also expect the arrangement to support faster delivery of Javelin systems and strengthen readiness among partner countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rich Liccion, Vice-President of the Javelin Joint Venture and Programme Director for Lockheed Martin Javelin, said the proposed dedicated Indian final assembly and integration facility would represent an important step toward building a more resilient supply chain for the anti-tank weapon system.
According to the companies, increased production volumes enabled through the proposed co-production arrangement could also help achieve what the defence industry describes as economic order quantities. Higher production volumes can potentially improve affordability and create opportunities for cost savings across programmes supporting Javelin production.
Jenna Hunt Frazier, President of the Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin Programme Director at Raytheon, said the agreement provides a foundation for strengthening the global Javelin supply chain and supporting faster fielding of the weapon system.
The companies said the arrangement could also deepen cooperation between the Javelin Joint Venture and Indian defence companies while supporting interoperability and broader defence initiatives across the Indo-Pacific.
Javelin production network spans the US and India
The Javelin weapon system is developed and produced by the Raytheon-Lockheed Martin joint venture, with Raytheon operations in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin operations in Orlando, Florida. The system is designed as an anti-tank weapon and has been supplied to the United States and international partner countries.
According to the joint venture, more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and over 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units have been produced to date.
The proposed Indian manufacturing arrangement would not replace the existing US production base. Instead, the model outlined in the agreement would link US-based production of key sub-assemblies and guidance electronics with final assembly and integration in India.
The partnership therefore has potential implications beyond domestic defence manufacturing. By adding Indian production capacity to the Javelin supply chain, the companies aim to increase overall manufacturing flexibility while creating a larger industrial base capable of supporting growing international demand.
For Tata Advanced Systems, the proposed collaboration further expands its role in India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. For the Javelin Joint Venture, partnering with TASL could provide an additional production location and deepen industrial ties with Indian companies.
The MoU remains focused on exploring the proposed production arrangement, including the establishment of Indian assembly and manufacturing capabilities. Further details on the facility, production volumes and implementation timeline would depend on subsequent decisions and agreements between the companies and relevant authorities.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official company disclosures. Readers are advised to refer to official company announcements/disclosures for further details.
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