US approves $93 million defence deal for India

The United States has approved two major military sales to India worth $93 million, covering the supply of Javelin missile systems and Excalibur precision projectiles.

The deets: the package includes:

• 216 M982A1 Excalibur projectiles worth $47.1 million
• 100 FGM-148 Javelin missile systems at an estimated $45.7 million.

For context, the ordered Excalibur projectiles are known for their high precision with an error margin of just 4 metres, greatly reducing collateral damage, their extended range of 57 km, and a strong anti-jamming mechanism.

Meanwhile, the ordered Javelin missile systems feature a “fire and forget” capability that removes the need for constant operator guidance, use top-attack technology, and offer a 2.5-4 km range, making them highly accurate. 

FYI: the news comes just weeks after the two countries signed a 10-year defence pact to further streamline their cooperation efforts.

The why: this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by further strengthening the US-India relations.

India will gain access to advanced weaponry already relied upon by developed nations to address current and emerging security challenges. Meanwhile, the US will expand its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian region.