U.S. Clears Sale of Javelin Missiles, Excalibur Shells to India

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire the FGM-148 Javelin during live-fire training at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, on October 10, 2025 | Photo: U.S. Marine Corps/Lance Corporal Victor Gurrola

The U.S. State Department has approved two possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to India involving Javelin anti-tank systems and Excalibur artillery projectiles, with a combined estimated value of $92.8 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has submitted the required certifications notifying Congress.

India has requested the purchase of 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin FGM-148 missile for fly-to-buy evaluation, and 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Block 1 Command Launch Units. The package also includes training equipment, simulation rounds, technical manuals, spare parts, refurbishment services, system integration support, and technical assistance from U.S. Army programme offices. The estimated cost of the Javelin package is $45.7 million.

In a separate request, India seeks up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles. The package also includes ancillary items, fire-control systems, primers, propellant charges, technical data, repair support, and U.S. government technical assistance. The estimated value of this sale is $47.1 million.

According to the State Department, both proposed sales support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening defence ties with India, described as “a major defense partner.” The department states the equipment is intended to enhance India’s ability to meet current and future threats and that India “will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” It also notes that neither sale will alter the regional military balance.

The Javelin systems would be supplied through the RTX Corporation/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, while the Excalibur projectiles would be provided by RTX Corporation. No offset agreements are currently known in connection with either sale, and implementation is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel in India. The final value of both sales will depend on future negotiations and confirmed requirements.