The United States has approved two arms sales to India worth $92.8m , including Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur precision artillery projectiles. This has been in the works for many months. I expect a much larger announcement of weapon purchases by India shortly, given the geopolitical winds.
The $45.7 million sale of the Javelin Missile System to India includes:
- 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one “fly-to-buy” missile, and 25 lightweight command launch units.
- Package also covers simulation rounds, trainers, spare parts, technical assistance, and logistical support.
Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance currently manufactured by RTX and Lockheed Martin.
The $47.1 million sale of up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles, includes:
- fire-control systems, primers, propellant charges, technical data, and repair services.
These were developed as a longer-range alternative to conventional artillery shells, with GPS guidance for highly improved accuracy. Excalibur has a range of 25 to 35 miles depending on configuration, with a circular error probable of just 13 feet. It is produced by RTX and London-based BAE Systems.
Nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Donald Trump in Washington to strengthen defense ties, India signed a 10‑year framework agreement in October to expand military cooperation. The deal reflects India’s effort to reduce reliance on Russian arms, following reports that Trump encouraged purchases of U.S. weapons. Russia remains India’s largest supplier, but its share of India’s imports fell from 62% to 34% between 2017 and 2023. Meanwhile, U.S. defense trade with India has grown from almost nothing to $20 billion. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the weapons will enhance India’s ability to address current and future threats.
- The DSCA stated these sales will strengthen U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by deepening ties with India.
- India is described as a key force for stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
- DSCA notedthat India would have “no difficulty absorbing” the equipment into its armed forces.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
