US clears $93 million sale of Javelin anti-tank system, Excalibur projectiles to India

The United States has greenlit a significant defense deal with India, approving the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems and Excalibur guided artillery munitions worth $93 million. This decision, announced by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday, marks India’s first acquisition under the US foreign military sales program since bilateral relations faced strain in August. The friction arose when former President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff hike on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s procurement of Russian oil. The latest sale underscores Washington’s commitment to fortifying its strategic alliance with India, a key player in maintaining regional stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. India has requested 216 Excalibur projectiles and 100 Javelin systems, with RTX Corp and its joint venture with Lockheed Martin serving as the principal contractors. This deal follows India’s recent reorder of General Electric fighter jet engines for its domestically produced Tejas combat aircraft.