In a significant move to bolster national security, India is set to enhance its military arsenal with advanced American weaponry. The United States has greenlit two defense deals valued at USD 93 million, empowering the Indian Army with cutting-edge anti-armor and precision artillery systems.
The USD 45.7 million Javelin deal introduces the formidable FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system into India’s inventory. The package comprises 100 missiles and 25 command-launch units, along with associated training and support equipment. This “fire-and-forget” missile allows soldiers to target enemy tanks from more than two kilometers away, with the missile independently guiding itself to the objective, ensuring soldier safety.
The second deal, valued at USD 47.1 million, will supply up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery rounds. These advanced munitions leverage GPS to deliver pinpoint accuracy, enabling artillery units to strike targets with extreme precision from extended ranges, acting as highly accurate, long-range artillery.
The Javelin system revolutionizes anti-tank warfare with its passive infrared guidance. Once fired, it autonomously seeks and destroys targets, allowing infantry to take immediate cover. This capability, coupled with its ability to engage various hardened targets, establishes it as a premier man-portable anti-armor solution.
These procurements are designed to enhance India’s capacity to address current and future security challenges and further solidify the strategic cooperation between the US and India. Replenishing and expanding existing capabilities, these systems will also improve interoperability with US military assets. The integration of these potent weapons marks a substantial increase in India’s defense posture and strategic influence.