United States approved two major military equipment sales to India, involving FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles, with a combined estimated value of USD 93 million. The approval was confirmed after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the proposed transaction.
Defence Deal Highlights
- Total value: USD 93 million
- Excalibur artillery projectiles package: USD 47.1 million
- Javelin missile systems package: USD 45.7 million
- India’s request to the US includes:
- 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles
- 1 fly-to-buy missile
- 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units
- 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles
- Training aids, documentation, simulation rounds, fire-control systems, repair, logistics & technical support
- Contractor for Excalibur: RTX Corporation, Virginia (formerly Raytheon Technologies)
- Offsets: None currently confirmed—may be finalised later between India & contractor
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens U.S.–India strategic defence ties
- DSCA states the sale supports U.S. foreign policy goals and enhances security of a “Major Defence Partner”
- Enhances Indo-Pacific security, ensuring stability, peace & economic progress
- Does not alter basic military balance in the region
- No need for deployment of additional U.S. personnel in India
Excalibur Artillery Projectiles- Capability Boost
- Precision-guided 155mm artillery round
- Increases first-strike accuracy for Indian brigades
- Improves India’s capabilities to meet current and future battlefield threats
- Provides high accuracy for long-range artillery engagement
- Compatible with existing Indian artillery systems for seamless integration
Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Systems
- Fire-and-forget 5th-generation anti-tank guided missile
- Effective against armored vehicles, bunkers & fortifications
- Includes battery units, operator training, support systems, & lifecycle maintenance
- Strengthens homeland defence & deterrence against regional threats
India’s Defence Modernisation Context
- Supports India’s push to enhance long-range precision strike capability
- Part of broader U.S.–India defence cooperation including :
- MQ-9B armed drones
- GE-F414 jet engine tech transfer
- Integrated battle group modernization