Wed Feb 05 17:18:50 UTC 2025: ## India-US Defence Deal in Focus: Stryker Vehicles and Javelin Missiles Under Consideration
**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. next week, India and the United States are intensifying negotiations on several defense deals, most notably the co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
The Stryker, manufactured by General Dynamics, underwent high-altitude trials in Ladakh last September-October, demonstrating optimal performance up to 18,000 feet. However, the Javelin ATGM, tested concurrently, showed suboptimal results due to the age of the system used. India has requested re-trials, and the schedule is currently being finalized.
The planned procurement involves a two-stage approach: an initial direct import of a small number of Strykers, followed by licensed manufacture of a larger quantity in India, potentially by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). This aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call for India to increase its procurement of American military equipment.
The Indian Army has expressed a need for ATGMs mounted on infantry combat vehicles, and a Stryker variant integrated with the Javelin ATGM is under development for future demonstration. While some Indian defense officials have expressed reservations about the Stryker, given domestically developed alternatives, the deal is expected to be a key topic during Modi’s visit, along with discussions on the licensing of General Electric F-414 jet engines and delays in F-404 engine deliveries for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A.
Sandy Long, a senior U.S. defense export advisor, is expected at Aero India in Bengaluru next week to further advance these discussions. The ongoing negotiations build upon previous discussions dating back to June 2024, when India expressed interest in Stryker co-production.
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