US-India arms sale – A strategic upgrade that tightens Indo-US defence ties and boosts India’s battlefield precision.
On November 20, 2025, the United States officially cleared a $93 million defence sale to India, comprising Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles. The approval marks another significant step in Washington’s ongoing commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
What the New Defence Package Includes
The $93 million approval is split between two major components: the FGM-148 Javelin and the M982A1 Excalibur. These systems are among the most advanced in their categories and have been field-tested in multiple modern conflicts.
Javelin Anti-Tank Missile System
India will receive: US-India arms sale
- 100 Javelin missiles
- 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (CLUs)
- Support equipment, testing rounds, and training modules
The Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with top-attack capability, allowing it to destroy heavily armoured tanks, bunkers, and enemy fortifications with high accuracy.
Excalibur Artillery Projectiles
The package also includes: US-India arms sale
- 216 Excalibur GPS-guided artillery rounds
- Technical support, spare parts, and maintenance assistance
Excalibur rounds are globally respected for transforming traditional artillery into precision-strike weapons, significantly reducing collateral damage and enabling longer-range accuracy.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the deal will “improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats” while enhancing interoperability between US and Indian forces. The move reinforces India’s status as a Major Defence Partner and aligns with Washington’s priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
For India, this acquisition strengthens frontline readiness along sensitive borders and boosts deterrence against armoured threats and long-range adversarial positions.
Why This Deal Matters for India
The dual acquisition offers several operational advantages:
- Boost to Anti-Tank Warfare: The Javelin system is a battlefield-proven, highly mobile, and extremely accurate weapon.
- Upgraded Artillery Precision: Excalibur rounds drastically reduce the number of shells needed to neutralise targets.
- Enhanced Deterrence: With two powerful systems added to its arsenal, India strengthens defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Modernisation Push: The deal is part of a broader initiative to upgrade India’s defence technology ecosystem.
Impact on the Indo-Pacific Region: US-India arms sale
While the United States has clarified that the sale “will not alter the regional military balance,” strategic analysts believe it sends a strong message to adversaries. With rising tensions and aggressive posturing by rival nations, India’s upgraded firepower serves as a deterrent.
The deal also reflects the US’s long-term strategy to build stronger defence channels with India, ensuring stability across the Indo-Pacific corridor.
Contractors and Technology Support
The primary contractors for the sale include:
- RTX Corporation for Excalibur projectiles
- Javelin Joint Venture (Lockheed Martin & RTX) for the missile system
Both systems will come with extensive training and lifecycle support, ensuring smooth integration and maintenance within the Indian Armed Forces.
Conclusion: US-India arms sale
The $93 is more than just a sale—it is a strategic signal. With enhanced precision artillery and anti-tank capabilities, India takes another firm step toward modernising its military arsenal. Meanwhile, the US strengthens its long-standing partnership with India, ensuring mutual security interests align in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.
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Author: Team BTP
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