In a move to bolster its defense capabilities, India is set to receive a fresh supply of ammunition and missiles from the United States, following Washington's approval of the sale of Excalibur precision-guided munitions and Javelin anti-tank missiles. The deal, valued at over $92 million, signifies a strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two nations and aims to equip India with advanced weaponry to counter existing and future threats.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the proposed foreign military sale, which includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 25 lightweight command launch units valued at $45.7 million, along with 216 M982A1 Excalibur artillery rounds worth $47.1 million. The sale also incorporates logistical and technical support, spare parts, refurbishment services, operator training, manuals, and lifecycle maintenance.
The Excalibur rounds are compatible with the 155 mm artillery guns currently used by the Indian Army, including the M777 howitzers, K9 Vajra, and Dhanush guns. The Army had previously acquired approximately 600 Excalibur rounds in 2019 to augment its artillery firepower and had tested these precision-guided shells from the US-made M777 Howitzer in Pokhran. These munitions were also utilized during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 for precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure.
The Javelin missile system, known for its effectiveness against tanks and armored vehicles, will provide the Indian Army with enhanced anti-armor capabilities. The proposed Javelin sale includes Javelin LwCLU or CLU Basic Skills Trainers, missile simulation rounds, a battery coolant unit, an interactive electronic technical manual, Javelin operator manuals, lifecycle support, physical security inspections, spare parts, system integration and checkout, technical assistance, tool kits, training, refurbishment services for the Block 1 CLU, and other related logistics and program support elements.
The DSCA has stated that the sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the U.S.-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defense partner. According to the agency, India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The acquisition is intended to fulfill urgent operational needs while the Army pursues a longer-term co-production agreement.
This development occurs amidst ongoing security concerns and is part of India's efforts to fast-track critical procurements under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism to enhance firepower and replenish stocks. The emergency procurement follows Operation Sindoor, which was launched against Pakistan in May.
