India to Strengthen Arsenal with US-Made Javelin Missiles & Excalibur Artillery
In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the United States has approved a $93 million deal to supply advanced Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur precision-guided artillery shells. The move highlights deepening India-US strategic ties and India’s push to modernize its military amid rising regional threats.
Key Highlights of the Defence Deal
The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) approved by the US State Department includes:
- Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles – A portable, fire-and-forget system with top-attack capability, ideal for neutralizing heavily armored vehicles.
- Excalibur GPS-Guided Artillery Shells – High-precision munitions that enhance accuracy, reducing collateral damage while improving strike efficiency.
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will be the primary contractors, with deliveries expected within 12-18 months after US congressional approval.
Strategic Importance for India
1. Countering China & Pakistan’s Armored Threat
- Javelin missiles will bolster India’s anti-tank defences, particularly along the contested borders with China (Ladakh) and Pakistan.
- Their “top-attack” mode can penetrate advanced tanks like China’s Type 15 and Pakistan’s VT-4 fleet.
2. Artillery Modernization for High-Altitude Warfare
- Excalibur shells will integrate with India’s M777 howitzers, crucial for mountain warfare in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- With a 2-meter precision strike range at 40+ km, they outperform traditional artillery.
3. Deepening US-India Defence Partnership
- Follows other major US arms deals, including Apache helicopters, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, and SIG Sauer rifles.
- Reinforces US commitment to India as a key Indo-Pacific ally against China’s military expansion.
India’s Growing US Defence Imports
India has diversified its defence imports, reducing reliance on Russia while increasing US acquisitions:
– M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers (Mountain warfare)
– AH-64E Apache & CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
– P-8I Poseidon (Maritime Surveillance)
– SIG Sauer Rifles (For frontline troops)
This deal cements the US as a top arms supplier alongside France (Rafale jets) and Israel (Barak-8 missiles, Heron drones).
Expert Opinions
- Lt. Gen. (Retd) D.S. Hooda: “Javelin’s portability is a game-changer for high-altitude warfare.”
- Defence Analyst Rahul Bedi: “Excalibur shells reduce wastage—critical for counter-insurgency ops.”
- US State Department: “This sale strengthens US-India strategic ties.”
What’s Next?
The deal awaits US Congress approval, expected to pass smoothly. Deployment could begin within 12-18 months, enhancing India’s combat readiness.
Final Takeaway
With rising tensions, India’s military upgrades are critical for maintaining a tactical edge. The Javelin and Excalibur systems will provide unmatched precision, reinforcing India’s deterrence against regional threats.
