In a major boost to India’s precision-strike and anti-armour capabilities, the United States has approved two key defence deals worth a combined $93 million, covering the sale of M982A1 Excalibur guided artillery projectiles and FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems. The approvals mark a new milestone in the expanding Indo-US strategic partnership.
Excalibur Precision Artillery: $47.1 Million Package
India has requested 216 Excalibur extended-range GPS-guided artillery rounds, valued at $47.1 million. The package includes:
- Excalibur M982A1 projectiles
- Propellant charges and fire-control equipment
- Portable electronic fire-control systems
- Training aids, spare parts, and technical data
- Operational and programme management support
The Excalibur projectile—developed by RTX Corporation—is capable of high-accuracy engagements at long ranges and is used to strike hardened positions and mobile targets in difficult terrain. India has previously employed the system in sensitive operations along the northern borders. This fresh procurement will replenish stocks and expand the Army’s precision-guided artillery inventory.
Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles: $45.7 Million Package
The second approval covers 100 Javelin missile rounds, one fly-to-buy missile, and 25 Command Launch Units (CLU)—either the lightweight LwCLU or Block-1 variant. The package also includes:
- Training simulators
- Simulation rounds
- Lifecycle sustainment support
- Spare parts and refurbishment services
- Tool kits and operator training modules
- Technical support from US SAMD and TAGM offices
The fire-and-forget Javelin system is renowned for its tandem-charge warhead, top-attack mode, and high lethality against modern armoured threats. The procurement will strengthen India’s infantry modernisation drive and enhance operational flexibility across varied terrains, including high-altitude borders.
Strengthening Indo-US Strategic Cooperation
The DSCA emphasised that the deals align with US foreign policy goals by strengthening India—designated a Major Defence Partner—and supporting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Washington noted that the sales will not affect regional military balance or US defence readiness.
For India, the acquisitions:
- Deepen interoperability with Western-origin systems
- Expand existing stocks of Excalibur and Javelin munitions
- Enhance precision-strike and anti-armour readiness
- Support India’s evolving doctrine focused on deterrence and rapid response under a two-front scenario
A Step Toward Long-Term Capability Enhancement
Both deals include extensive provisions for training, maintenance, and technical support, ensuring sustained capability throughout the lifecycle of the systems rather than one-time procurement.
With rising security challenges and the need for accurate stand-off engagement capabilities, India stands to benefit significantly from these advanced systems. The approvals reflect the growing defence convergence between New Delhi and Washington, aimed at reinforcing stability and shared security interests across the Indo-Pacific.
