In a significant step highlighting the improving strategic and trade ties between India and the United States, the U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of Javelin missiles and Excalibur precision-guided projectiles to India, valued at an estimated USD 92.8 million. The approval, announced by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on November 20, 2025, notifies the U.S. Congress of the proposed transactions.
Under the agreement, India may acquire up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles for USD 47.1 million. The projectiles are expected to enhance the precision strike capability of Indian Army brigades, allowing for greater accuracy in first-strike operations. Additionally, India has requested the purchase of 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin missile, and 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU), in a deal worth USD 45.7 million. The Javelin systems aim to strengthen India’s homeland defence and act as a deterrent against regional threats.
Strategic significance and trade context
The DSCA highlighted that both deals would include ancillary equipment such as Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with Improved Platform Integration Kit (iPIK), primers, propellant charges, manuals, training, technical assistance and repair services. These sales are expected to further integrate U.S. technology into India’s armed forces efficiently.
Officials noted that the arms sales also support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing the strategic partnership with India, a key defence ally in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. The announcement follows recent developments in bilateral trade, including India’s first long-term import deal of American LPG and ongoing negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), marking a steady easing of earlier trade tensions between the two nations.
The defence deals are seen as a major milestone in Indo-U.S. relations, reflecting both enhanced military cooperation and broader strategic alignment in the region.
