Major US-India Defense Deal Gets Green Light
In a significant development for Indo-US defense cooperation, Washington has officially cleared the sale of advanced Excalibur guided artillery projectiles and Javelin anti-tank missile systems to India valued at over $90 million. This approval represents a crucial milestone in New Delhi's ongoing efforts to modernize its military arsenal through strategic partnerships.
Precision Strike Capabilities Enhanced
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in two separate announcements confirmed on November 20, 2025, revealed that the State Department has authorized a potential Foreign Military Sale to India. The package includes Excalibur Projectiles and associated equipment worth $47.1 million alongside Javelin Missile Systems and related gear valued at $45.7 million.
According to the agency's certification submitted to Congress, this proposed sale will substantially improve India's ability to counter current and emerging threats by providing state-of-the-art precision strike equipment. The advanced technology is expected to significantly enhance the first-strike accuracy capabilities of Indian army brigades.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency expressed confidence that "India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," highlighting the country's proven capacity to integrate sophisticated defense systems.
Excalibur Artillery: Precision Firepower Details
India's specific request includes 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles, known for their remarkable accuracy and extended range. The comprehensive package also features several non-major defense equipment items such as:
- Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with Improved Platform Integration Kit
- Specialized primers and propellant charges
- Technical assistance from the US Government
- Comprehensive technical data and documentation
- Repair and return services
- Various logistics and program support elements
The Indian Army previously acquired approximately 600 rounds of Excalibur munition in 2019 to strengthen its artillery capabilities. This earlier procurement included about 500 rounds with 20-meter accuracy and 100 rounds capable of hitting targets within just 2 meters of precision.
The Excalibur munitions boast an impressive operational range between 40 to 57 kilometers, varying based on specific configuration and the type of howitzer used for deployment. These advanced projectiles are compatible with all 155mm artillery guns in the Indian Army's inventory, including the Bofors, M777 Howitzer, K9 Vajra, and Dhanush artillery systems.
Following their initial induction in 2019, the Army successfully tested the Excalibur precision-guided shells using US-manufactured M777 Howitzers at the Pokhran test range, demonstrating their combat readiness and effectiveness.
Javelin Anti-Tank System: Game-Changing Defense
The separate Javelin missile package comprises 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin FGM-148 missile for testing purposes, and 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units. Additional components in this deal include:
- Missile simulation rounds for training
- Battery coolant units
- Interactive electronic technical manuals
- Comprehensive Javelin operator manuals
- Refurbishment services
- Additional logistics and program support infrastructure
Manufactured by the Javelin Joint Venture between defense giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin system represents cutting-edge anti-tank technology. This medium-range, fire-and-forget missile can be operated by a single soldier and effectively engages multiple target types including armored vehicles, fortified bunkers, and cave positions.
The system's versatility extends to remote deployment, as it can be fired from unmanned ground vehicles equipped with specialized remote launchers, providing tactical flexibility in various combat scenarios.
Strategic Implications and Regional Balance
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that the proposed sale will strengthen India's homeland defense and enhance its ability to deter regional threats. This military cooperation supports broader US foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing the strategic US-Indian partnership.
This defense collaboration is viewed as instrumental in maintaining political stability, peace, and economic progress across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions. The agency specifically noted that neither proposed sale is expected to alter the fundamental military balance in the region, indicating the measured nature of this transfer.
This approval comes amid India's continued diversification of defense procurement sources and represents another step in the deepening defense ties between Washington and New Delhi that have strengthened significantly over the past decade.
