Context:Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) signed an MoU to co-produce Javelin anti-tank guided missiles in India.
JJV: Joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon (US); has produced 55,000+ Javelin missiles and 12,000+ reusable Command Launch Units (CLUs).
India facility: Proposed facility will undertake final assembly and integration of Javelin AUR (All Up Round) and component production; sub-assembly kits from Lockheed Martin, Alabama, and guidance electronics from Raytheon, Arizona will be supplied to India.
Javelin:Man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM); designed primarily to defeat armoured vehicles.
Technology: India’s earlier attempt to procure Javelin stalled in 2010 over US reluctance to share seeker technology under a 100% technology-transfer model; India subsequently opted for Israel’s Spike ATGM.
Prelims Edge:Javelin uses a Command Launch Unit (CLU) for target acquisition/launch; its fire-and-forget capability allows the operator to move after launch rather than continuously guide the missile.
