New Delhi: The United States has cleared a major defence package for India worth nearly $93 million, signalling a further deepening of strategic and military cooperation between the two nations. The approval covers the sale of M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles and FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, both considered critical upgrades for India’s evolving battlefield requirements.
According to official notifications, the deal includes 216 Excalibur rounds valued at $47.1 million. The GPS-guided artillery projectiles are known for their high accuracy, long-range strike capability and effectiveness in difficult terrain. The package also consists of propellants, fire-control systems, portable electronic units and technical assistance. The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to conduct precision strikes against fortified positions and mobile threats.
The US has indicated that the procurement will replenish earlier stocks used during sensitive military operations along India’s northern borders and will contribute to expanding the Army’s operational inventory. The Excalibur system, manufactured by RTX Corporation, is fully compatible with US-origin platforms already in Indian service, fitting seamlessly into the ongoing artillery modernization programme.
The second component of the approval — valued at $45.7 million — includes 100 Javelin missile rounds, one fly-to-buy missile, 25 Command Launch Units, training rounds and associated support equipment. The Javelin system is widely regarded for its fire-and-forget capability, tandem warhead design and high lethality against modern armour. The procurement aims to bolster India’s anti-armour defence and improve operational interoperability with US and allied forces.
Officials have stated that the sale will not alter the regional military balance but will help India meet increasing security challenges, particularly in a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. The notification emphasised that India remains a key strategic partner, and the approved capabilities support shared interests in regional stability and deterrence.
Both packages include training assistance, spare parts, technical data and long-term programme support, highlighting a shift toward sustained capability-building rather than standalone purchases. The procurements align with India’s ongoing push for advanced precision-strike and anti-armour solutions under its doctrine of rapid and flexible military response.
Washington and New Delhi have reiterated that the defence approvals are aimed at strengthening deterrence and ensuring stability, not provoking regional tensions. With these acquisitions, India is expected to significantly upgrade its strike accuracy, survivability and readiness for future contingencies, marking another step forward in the growing Indo-US defence partnership.
