US Approves $93 Million Sale of Javelin Missiles and Excalibur Artillery Rounds to India

The United States has cleared a $93 million foreign military sale to India, paving the way for New Delhi to acquire FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery rounds. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has formally notified the US Congress of the proposed transfer, triggering the mandatory review period.

According to details released by the DSCA, the package comprises 100 Javelin missiles, 25 lightweight command launch units valued at $45.7 million, and 216 Excalibur rounds worth $47.1 million. The sale also includes associated logistical and technical support, spare parts, refurbishing services, operator training, manuals, and lifecycle maintenance.

The initial tranche includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin FGM-148 missile (fly-to-buy), and twenty-five (25) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLU). This shipment is designed to fulfill urgent operational needs while the Army works on a longer-term co-production agreement.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: Javelin LwCLU or CLU Basic Skills Trainers, missile simulation rounds, a battery coolant unit, an interactive electronic technical manual, Javelin operator manuals, lifecycle support, physical security inspections, spare parts, system integration and checkout, technical assistance from the Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), technical assistance from the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office, tool kits, training, refurbishment services for the Block 1 CLU, and other related logistics and program support elements.

 Boost for Indian Army’s Urgent Needs

The Indian Army has been fast-tracking critical procurements under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism to enhance firepower and replenish stocks amid ongoing security concerns along its land borders. The Army recently confirmed that it had initiated emergency procurement of Javelin missiles to address pressing operational requirements.

Excalibur rounds, extensively used during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 for precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure, are also being acquired in greater numbers as the Army strengthens its long-range strike capabilities.

Also Read: US-Made Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Purchase Underway: DG Infantry

Strategic Significance

The DSCA said the proposed sale would “strengthen the US-India strategic partnership” and enhance India’s ability to counter current and emerging threats. It added that New Delhi would face “no difficulty absorbing these articles and services” into its existing force structure.

Crucially, the US government emphasised that the transaction would not alter the regional military balance and noted that no offset arrangements have been specified at this stage, leaving any such agreements to future negotiation between India and defence manufacturers.

Why Javelin?

Developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin is among the world’s most capable third-generation man-portable anti-tank weapons. The system employs a fire-and-forget capability, enabling soldiers to relocate immediately after launch – an asset in mountainous and challenging terrain where mobility is vital.

Its top-attack flight profile enables the missile to strike at a tank’s thinner upper armour, while a soft-launch mechanism allows firing from confined areas such as bunkers or built-up positions. The system consists of a disposable missile canister and a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU), making it suitable for repeated frontline employment.

The immediate order aims to meet operational needs while India continues to explore co-production options, aligned with the wider national objectives of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.

Excalibur: Precision Artillery for the Future Battlefield

Excalibur, manufactured by RTX Corporation, is a GPS-guided, extended-range 155 mm artillery projectile with a claimed miss distance of less than two metres. Its jam-resistant navigation system allows pinpoint strikes in rugged terrain or urban environments. According to the manufacturer, a single Excalibur round can achieve results that would otherwise require multiple conventional shells, reducing both ammunition expenditure and the likelihood of collateral damage.

Along with the 216 projectiles, India will receive fire control systems, propellant charges, primers, technical assistance, maintenance and repair services, and operational support.

Next Steps

With Congress now notified, US lawmakers have a statutory period to review and raise any objections. If cleared, the sale will add momentum to expanding defence ties between Washington and New Delhi, which have seen growing technological collaboration and co-development discussions in recent years.

Ravi Shankar