The United States has approved a $93 million defence sale to India, marking the country’s first acquisition of American military equipment since relations cooled in August. The approved package includes the Javelin anti tank missile system and Excalibur guided artillery projectiles, both of which significantly enhance long range precision strike capabilities.
The decision was announced by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), confirming that India has requested up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 Javelin system units. India already uses Excalibur ammunition with its M 777 Howitzer guns, making the new purchase a continuation of its modernization efforts.
Tensions between the two nations rose earlier this year when President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods after New Delhi continued buying Russian oil. Despite strained ties, the DSCA described the defence sale as a step toward strengthening the US India strategic partnership, noting that India remains a key country for regional stability in South Asia and the Indo Pacific.
The approval follows India’s recent order of General Electric fighter jet engines to support locally built Tejas combat aircraft, signaling renewed defense cooperation. According to the DSCA, the sale supports US foreign policy goals by improving the security of an important defence partner.
The primary contractors for the deal will be RTX Corporation for Excalibur projectiles and RTX Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture for the missile systems.
