India-US defence deal: The United States has cleared the sale of the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery shells, along with related equipment, for India. The estimated cost of the Javelin and Excalibur package is about USD 47.1 million.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in its notification that the US State Department has also approved a separate package of military equipment worth USD 93 million.
What does the purchase include?
India will receive 100 Javelin missiles, one test round, 25 command-launch units, training tools, simulation rounds, spare parts and full support for the system’s entire life cycle.
The deal also includes up to 216 Excalibur artillery shells, valued at about USD 47.1 million.
The agency has already sent the required certification to the US Congress for approval of the planned sale.
The package also provides several non-major defence items, such as Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with upgraded integration kits, primers, propellant charges, technical help from the US government, technical documents, repair-and-return services and other logistics and programme support. The total estimated cost is USD 47.1 million.
How will the new arms deal with US improve India’s strike accuracy?
The DSCA said the planned sale supports US foreign policy and security goals by strengthening the US–India strategic partnership. It added that India remains an important defence partner and plays a key role in maintaining stability, peace and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
The agency noted that the new equipment will help India handle current and future threats by giving its forces more accurate, first-strike capability. It also said India will be able to easily integrate this equipment and support into its military. According to the statement, the sale will not change the overall military balance in the region.
RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia, will be the main contractor. The US government said it has not been informed of any offset arrangements linked to the sale, and any such agreements would be settled directly between India and the contractor.
The DSCA also confirmed that this deal will not require extra US government or contractor staff to be sent to India, and it will not affect US defence readiness.