In a move to significantly bolster its defense capabilities, India is poised to acquire Javelin Missile Systems and Excalibur tactical projectiles from the United States. The U.S. State Department has approved the $93 million arms deal, which includes advanced Javelin missiles and Excalibur projectiles. This acquisition will enhance India's homeland defense and its ability to deter regional threats, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations and promoting security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Javelin Missile System: A Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Weapon

The Javelin, formally known as the FGM-148, is a man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. It has been in service since 1996 and continuously upgraded. Jointly manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, the Javelin is designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles, fortifications, bunkers, and even helicopters. India will receive 100 Javelin missiles and 25 command launch units. The deal also includes training aids, simulation rounds, spare parts, and lifecycle support.

Key features of the Javelin missile system:

• Fire-and-Forget Technology: The Javelin utilizes automatic infrared guidance, allowing the operator to seek cover immediately after launch. This is a significant advantage over wire-guided systems, where the user must guide the weapon throughout the engagement.
• Top Attack Mode: The Javelin employs a top attack flight profile against armored vehicles, striking the thinner top armor. It can reach a peak altitude of 150 meters in top attack mode. It can also perform a direct attack against buildings, targets under obstructions, and helicopters.
• Tandem Warhead: The Javelin is equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead with a tandem charge. This enables it to defeat modern tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA). The first charge detonates the ERA, while the second penetrates the vehicle.
• Effective Range: The Javelin has an effective range of 2.5 kilometers, with demonstrated performance up to 4,000 meters in most operational conditions. The lightweight CLU can extend the engagement range from 2.5 km to 4 km.
• Soft Launch Mechanism: The Javelin features a soft launch mechanism that ejects the missile from the firing tube before igniting the main flight motor. This reduces recoil, minimizes launch smoke, and allows for firing from enclosed spaces.

Excalibur Tactical Projectiles: Precision Guided Artillery

The M982A1 Excalibur is a 155 mm extended-range guided artillery shell. It was developed through a collaboration between the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC). The Excalibur is a GPS and inertial-guided munition capable of being used in close support situations. India will receive 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles as part of this deal. The package includes Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with Improved Platform Integration Kit, primers, propellant charges, and technical support.

Key features of the Excalibur projectile:

• Precision Guidance: The Excalibur combines GPS and inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology for unparalleled accuracy. It can adjust its trajectory mid-flight to ensure a direct hit on the intended target. Its accuracy is within 4 meters of the target.
• Extended Range: Excalibur has a range of approximately 40 to 57 kilometers, depending on the configuration.
• Reduced Collateral Damage: The Excalibur is designed to minimize collateral damage, making it suitable for use in close proximity to friendly forces or civilian areas.
• Versatile Fuzing: It has a multi-function fuze that can be programmed to explode in the air, upon impact with a hard surface, or after penetrating a target.
• All-Weather Capability: The Excalibur can provide accurate first-round effects at all ranges in all weather conditions.

The acquisition of the Javelin and Excalibur systems represents a significant upgrade to India's defense capabilities, providing enhanced precision and effectiveness in countering a wide range of threats. This deal strengthens the strategic partnership between India and the United States and contributes to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.