Why in news
- India signed an agreement with the United States to procure Javelin anti-tank missile systems.
What is the Javelin System?
- Man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM) developed in the US.
- Employs automatic infrared guidance that allows the operator to take cover immediately after launch.
Key Capabilities and Provisions
- Features top-attack trajectory mode to target the thinner top armor of armored vehicles as well as direct-attack mode for fortified positions.
- Equipped with a tandem shaped-charge warhead designed to penetrate explosive reactive armor (ERA).
Why it matters
- Enhances infantry anti-armor firepower in high-altitude mountain terrain along land borders.
- Expands bilateral defense trade and technology cooperation under the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
Key terms
Fire-and-Forget
Missile guidance type that requires no further guidance after launch, allowing the operator to relocate.
Tandem Warhead
Munition using two or more stages of detonation to breach explosive reactive armor before detonating the main charge.
Prelims facts
- Javelin is an infrared-guided, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system from the US.
Mains discussion
- Role of lightweight precision-guided munitions in high-altitude mountain warfare.
Source: Hindu Business Line News