The United States has approved a major defence sale to India worth $92.8 million. The package includes Javelin anti-tank missile systems, Excalibur artillery shells, support equipment, training, and technical assistance. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress of the approval on Wednesday.
The first part of the deal costs $45.7 million and provides FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 25 Command Launch Units. The package also includes skills trainers, training tool kits, battery coolant units, spare parts, security checks, lifecycle support, and operator manuals. India will also receive technical help from US defence agencies and assistance for integration and refurbishment.
The second package is worth $47.1 million. It covers up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. The deal also adds fire-control systems, propellant charges, primers, repair support, data, and logistics assistance.
The US says the deal strengthens strategic cooperation with India and boosts regional stability. The DSCA noted that India can easily integrate the new systems into its armed forces. The agency also said that the sale improves India’s ability to counter current and future threats in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The US confirmed that the deal does not affect American defence readiness or change the military balance in the region.
