US greenlights $93 million sale of Javelin missiles, Excalibur projectiles to India

In two separate notices issued on Wednesday, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that it had sent the required certifications to Congress.

 

According to the DSCA, the sale aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and national security goals by further deepening the strategic defence partnership between the United States and India.

 

Breakdown of the sale packages

 

The first package, valued at $45.7 million, covers Javelin FGM-148 missiles on a fly-to-buy basis, along with 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Block 1 Command Launch Units. 

 

It also includes non-major defence items such as LwCLU/CLU basic skills trainers, missile simulation rounds, battery coolant units, interactive electronic manuals, operator manuals, lifecycle support, physical security inspections, spare parts, system integration and checkout, and multiple forms of technical assistance from SAMD and the TAGM Project Office. 

 

Tool kits, training, and Block 1 CLU refurbishment services are also part of the package.

The second package authorises a possible $47.1 million sale of M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. 

 

India has requested up to 216 rounds. Additional non-major defence items include ancillary equipment, Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with integration kits, primers, propellant charges, technical data, repair-and-return services, and broader logistics and program support.

Enhancing India’s security capabilities

The DSCA said the sale would bolster the defence capabilities of “a major defence partner” that plays a stabilising role in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. 

 

It added that the acquisition would enhance India’s preparedness against current and emerging threats, reinforce homeland defence, and strengthen deterrence in the region. 

 

India, the agency noted, is fully capable of integrating the new systems into its armed forces.

The agency also stressed that the sale would not disrupt the regional military balance and would have no negative impact on US defence readiness.