US approves missile, artillery sale, boosting India’s defense ties
The DSCA confirmed it has completed all necessary certifications and formally notified the US Congress about the approvals.
The United States has officially cleared a potential sale of Javelin missile systems, Excalibur precision-guided projectiles, and a host of supporting military equipment to India, with the combined package valued at roughly $92.8 million. The development marks yet another step forward in the growing defence relationship between Washington and New Delhi, one that has steadily deepened over the past decade amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
The announcement came through two detailed statements released on Wednesday by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US body responsible for overseeing foreign military sales. The agency said it had completed all the necessary internal reviews and delivered the required certifications to the US Congress, formally notifying lawmakers about the proposed transfer. Such notifications are a mandatory part of the US arms sales process, giving Congress the opportunity to review and raise objections, if any, before the deal moves ahead.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is not just a transactional exchange of defence hardware but a move aligned with broader American strategic objectives. The agency pointed out that the decision supports the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States, particularly by strengthening its strategic partnership with India. The US government has repeatedly underlined India’s role as a key security partner in maintaining a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s rising assertiveness remains a central concern for both nations.
What Exactly Is India Buying?
The notification divides the potential sale into two major packages. The first package, valued at $45.7 million, centers around the Javelin FGM-148, one of the world’s most advanced man-portable anti-tank guided missile systems. The Javelin is renowned for its “fire-and-forget” capability, allowing soldiers to lock onto a target and then relocate immediately while the missile autonomously guides itself using infrared technology. Its top-attack profile—where the missile dives onto the less protected upper surface of armored vehicles—has made it particularly effective in modern conflict zones.
For India, the Javelin package includes a fly-to-buy missile, a common mechanism that allows the purchasing nation to test the system before committing to larger buys. In addition, the US has offered 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or the older Javelin Block 1 CLUs, which serve as the targeting and launch system for the missile.
Alongside the primary equipment, the package includes several non-major defence elements that are essential for full operational capability. These include Basic Skills Trainers, which help soldiers practice missile handling and targeting without using live ammunition; missile simulation rounds; battery coolant units; and digital documentation such as interactive technical manuals and operator guides. India will also receive lifecycle support, security inspections, spare parts, system integration testing, and refurbishment services for older CLUs if needed.
The DSCA explained that technical assistance will be provided by the US Government’s Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) and the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office, ensuring smooth onboarding and long-term maintenance support. Tool kits, training programs, and overall logistics support complete the first package.
The Second Package: Precision With Excalibur
The second approved package, valued at $47.1 million, focuses on the M982A1 Excalibur—a GPS-guided 155mm artillery projectile known for its exceptional precision. India has requested up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles, which can strike targets with remarkable accuracy even in complex environments. Excalibur rounds have been widely used in recent global conflict zones and are considered a significant upgrade for traditional artillery systems, reducing collateral damage and allowing longer-range, highly precise strikes.
The package includes several non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items that enhance the projectile’s operational use. These include Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) equipped with the Improved Platform Integration Kit (iPIK), essential for ensuring compatibility with various artillery platforms. The sale also covers primers, propellant charges, technical data, repair and return services, and continued US government technical support.
No Impact on US Military Readiness
In its filing, the DSCA emphasised that the transfer of these systems to India would not have any adverse effect on the United States’ own defence readiness. This assurance is a standard part of Congressional notifications and indicates that the equipment being offered is either surplus, available for export, or does not interfere with current US military requirements.
A Step Forward in Defence Cooperation
With these approvals, the United States once again underscores the significance it places on defence ties with India. While the sale is still subject to Congressional review and final negotiations between the two countries, the notification signals Washington’s willingness to continue providing India with advanced military technology. For New Delhi, such acquisitions strengthen not only operational capability but also strategic interoperability with the US—especially relevant at a time of shifting regional power balances.