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Javelin Missile System

17 Jul 2025 GS 3 Defence
Javelin Missile System Click to view full image

Why in news : India plans to procure and co-produce Javelin ATGMs with the U.S. under the Make in India programme.

  • Origin: Developed by the United States, the Javelin is a 3rd generation, man-portable, shoulder-fired, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.

  • Core Features:

    • Fire-and-Forget: Uses infrared guidance, allowing the operator to take cover after launch.

    • Top-Attack Mode: Targets tanks from above where armor is weakest.

    • Effective Range: Up to 2.5 km, with some units achieving hits at 4 km.

    • Multi-role Capability: Can neutralize tanks, bunkers, fortifications, and even helicopters.

    • Portability: Lightweight system operable by a single soldier.

    • Deployment Platforms: Usable across multiple launch platforms.

  • Key Components:

    • Command Launch Unit (CLU): Reusable guidance and targeting system.

    • Missile in Launch Tube: Disposable, reloadable missile housing.

  • Strategic Relevance for India:

    • India plans to procure and co-produce Javelin ATGMs with the U.S. under the Make in India programme.

    • Enhances operational readiness and reduces dependency on imports, especially critical for mountain warfare and border security.

Missile Name Country Guidance System Range Key Features Indian Context
Javelin USA Infrared Imaging (Fire-and-Forget) 2.5–4 km Top-attack mode, fire-and-forget, man-portable Proposal for co-production with USA
Spike Israel Electro-optical & Infrared 500 m – 8 km (variant-wise) Fire-and-forget, tandem warhead, multi-platform Procured by Indian Army; deployment in border areas
Nag India Imaging Infrared Seeker (Fire-and-Forget) ~4–7 km (Nag), up to 20 km (SANT) Indigenous, top-attack, all-weather Developed by DRDO; part of Make in India
Kornet Russia Laser Beam Riding / SACLOS Up to 10 km Tandem-charge warhead, vehicle-based and tripod Used globally; India previously evaluated
MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) France Dual Mode: Infrared + Visible Channel ~4 km Network-enabled, day-night, all-terrain Potential for European cooperation
HJ-12 China Infrared Imaging (Fire-and-Forget) 2–4 km Man-portable, Javelin-like design Not used by India; monitored for threat analysis
Helina / Dhruvastra India Imaging Infrared (Fire-and-Forget) ~7–10 km (Air-launched) Indian 3rd generation,Helicopter-launched, high-altitude ops Used on ALH Dhruv; under induction
SANT India Millimeter-wave + IIR seeker 10–20 km Air-launched, developed for IAF Upgraded successor to Helina; trial phase

  • Fire-and-Forget = Missile guides itself after launch; operator can relocate immediately.

  • Top-Attack Mode = Strikes target from above where armor is weakest.

  • SACLOS = Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight – operator guides missile manually.

UPSC Syllabus:

  • GS Paper II: India–USA Strategic Defence Partnership

  • GS Paper III: Internal Security → Defence Technology, Indigenisation of Defence Production, Strategic Weapons Systems



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