India to approach US for anti-tank guided missile system

India will send a request to the United States for procuring the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"The defence ministry proposes to issue a letter of request (LoR) to the US government under their foreign military sales (FMS) route for procurement of third generation anti-tank guided missile along with transfer of technology," defence minister AK Antony said in a written reply to a query.

He added that after issuing the LoR, India will take further steps for procuring the missile system.

Both countries have been in talks for the sale of the missile system to India after it was recently showcased to the Indian troops during a bilateral exercise involving mechanised forces of the two Armies in Babina Cantt near Jhansi.

Under defence deals through the FMS route, India doesn't have to issue a global tender and the deal is done between the two governments.

Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The system takes a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles (attacking the top armour which is generally thinner) but can also take a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. This missile also has the ability to engage helicopters in the direct-attack mode.

Answering another query, the minister said during the recently-held Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), discussions were held on the existing modalities of coordination in anti-piracy patrol and sharing of capacities and expertise in disaster relief.