The United States approved two important military sales to India, opening the way for the supply of FGM 148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles worth about $93 million.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency sent the required certification to the US Congress to officially inform them about the proposed deals.

The agency said that the package included Excalibur projectiles and related equipment worth USD 47.1 million, and Javelin missile systems along with supporting hardware worth an estimated USD 45.7 million.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the DSCA said in its statement. The agency also said that the sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

The Centre asked to buy up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles, the DSCA said. The RTX Corporation in Arlington, Virginia, has been selected as the main contractor. Washington said it is not aware of any offset agreement linked to the sale at this point, and added that any such arrangement will be decided later between India and the contractor.

Along with the precision rounds, the package also included several non-major defence equipment items like Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with Improved Platform Integration Kit, primers, propellant charges, US government technical assistance, technical data, repair and return services, and logistics and programme support.

According to the DSCA, the procurement will “improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing precision capability equipment, which will increase first strike accuracy in its brigades.” The agency added that India will be able to fit the systems smoothly into its current force structure.

The agency also said that the sale will not require sending extra US government or contractor staff to India, and that “there will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness,” as stated in the notification.

India also asked for 100 FGM 148 Javelin rounds, one fly to buy Javelin missiles, and 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units or Block 1 Command Launch Units. The sale also covered training aids, simulation rounds, battery coolant units, technical manuals, operator documentation, lifecycle support, toolkits, refurbishment support and other logistics elements.

“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services...”