Boosting India’s defence capabilities, Washington clears a major package including Javelin anti tank systems and precision Excalibur artillery rounds.
The United States has approved a $93 million sale of Javelin anti tank missile systems and Excalibur precision guided artillery projectiles to India, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday. The clearance marks the first major US defence sale to New Delhi under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme since bilateral ties were strained earlier this year following Washington’s move to double tariffs on Indian goods.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale includes up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 units of the Javelin system. The agency said the transfer will enhance India’s defence capabilities and support US foreign policy goals by strengthening a key strategic partnership in the Indo Pacific and South Asia. India already deploys Excalibur rounds with its M777 howitzers, and the fresh procurement is expected to boost precision strike capability along sensitive frontlines.
The approval follows India’s recent reorder of General Electric fighter jet engines for its indigenous Tejas combat aircraft programme, signalling a gradual thaw in defence cooperation despite trade tensions.
RTX Corporation will serve as the principal contractor for Excalibur projectiles, while the Javelin systems will be supplied through the RTX Lockheed Martin joint venture.
US officials said the sale will improve India’s ability to counter regional threats, enhance interoperability with US forces, and support long term stability in the Indo Pacific. The Indian government has not yet issued a formal response, but the procurement aligns with New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to modernise its artillery and anti armour capabilities.
