 "The undated photograph shows US and Indian flags in the vicinity of the India Gate (seen in the background) in New Delhi, India. (Photo: US Embassy in India)")
The United States has cleared the sale of the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system and the M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles to India, a development that will strengthen New Delhi’s military capabilities.
What does the package include?
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the sale in a notification saying that the US State Department has approved the sale of $93 million worth of military equipment. The purchase includes 100 Javelin missiles, one fly-to-buy round, 25 command-launch units, training aids, simulation rounds, spare parts and full lifecycle support.
The package also includes up to 216 Excalibur rounds worth $47.1 million. The Indian Army was using both systems in limited amounts and the sale will ensure that stockpiles are replenished.
How will it help?
The proposed sale, according to the DSCA, is intended to strengthen India’s capability to address both present and emerging security challenges, while also deepening the strategic alliance, all without disrupting the existing regional military equilibrium.
“The intended outcome is to improve India’s first-strike accuracy and ensure the country is well-placed to meet current and future threats. This sale likewise will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the notification read.