WASHINGTON: The US State Department has approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur guided artillery munitions to India, valued at $93 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday. This marks India’s first defence equipment purchase under Washington’s foreign military sales program since tensions escalated in August over US tariff hikes on Indian goods.
Read More: US–India Defence Pact-A Historical Perspective
The sale includes up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 Javelin missile units. India already deploys Excalibur artillery ammunition in its M-777 Howitzer guns. The principal contractors are RTX Corp for the Excalibur rounds and its joint venture with Lockheed Martin for the Javelin systems.
According to the DSCA, the deal aims to strengthen US-Indian strategic ties and enhance the security of India as a major defence partner, contributing to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. The sale follows a recent re-order of fighter jet engines by India for its indigenous Tejas combat aircraft, manufactured by General Electric.
Read More: US–INDIA DEFENSE PACT 2025 – A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
This move signals a thaw in bilateral defence cooperation after a period of strained relations, highlighting India’s continued efforts to modernize its military capabilities through US-sourced equipment.