The United States has approved two possible military sales to India-covering Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur artillery projectiles-worth a combined $92.8 million, according to notifications issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday. The certifications have been delivered to Congress for review.
Javelin Missile System: A Fire-and-Forget Anti-Armour Weapon
At the heart of the sale is the Javelin FGM-148, a shoulder-fired, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile known for its effectiveness against armoured vehicles and fortified positions. Developed jointly by the US Army and Marine Corps, the system uses infrared guidance to lock onto targets before launch, allowing the operator to relocate instantly after firing.
The missile's top-attack mode, which strikes tanks where armour is weakest, and its tandem-charge warhead, designed to penetrate explosive reactive armour, have made the Javelin one of the most widely deployed anti-armour systems globally.
Package 1: Javelin Missiles and Launch Units
The first proposed package to India, valued at $45.7 million, includes:
•Javelin FGM-148 missile (fly-to-buy)
•25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Block 1 CLUs
•Basic skills trainers and missile simulation rounds
•Battery coolant units
•Interactive electronic technical manuals and operator manuals
•Lifecycle support, spare parts, and inspection services
•Technical assistance from US agencies
•Training and refurbishment services
The DSCA said the Javelin package would bolster India's ability to counter armoured threats and support greater interoperability with US forces.
Package 2: Excalibur Precision Projectiles
A separate DSCA notification approves the possible sale of up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery rounds, along with ancillary equipment, for an estimated $47.1 million.
The package includes:
•Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with integration kits
•Primers and propellant charges
•Technical data, repair-and-return services
•Associated logistics and programme support
The Excalibur round is GPS-guided and capable of striking targets with high accuracy at extended ranges, strengthening India's precision-strike capability.
'Sale Will Improve India's Ability to Meet Threats'
The DSCA said the proposed sales support US foreign policy goals by reinforcing the US-India strategic partnership. India, it noted, remains "a major defence partner and an important force for stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia."
According to the agency, the equipment will improve India's ability to counter "current and future threats," enhance homeland defence and strengthen regional deterrence. The sale, it added, will not alter the basic military balance in the region and will not affect US defence readiness.
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