Massive Strategic Boost for India: US Approves Supply of Bunker-Busting Excalibur Shells and Javelin Missiles

New Delhi: In a significant enhancement to India’s military firepower, the United States has approved two major defence sales to New Delhi—comprising FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles, together valued at approximately USD 93 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has formally notified the US Congress and issued the mandatory certification clearing the proposed transactions.

Emergency Purchase After Operation Sindoor

The decision follows India’s urgent request after Operation Sindoor, during which large quantities of precision-guided ammunition were used against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure. To replenish stocks and strengthen frontline readiness, India initiated an emergency procurement route.

The US State Department informed Congress that India is acquiring Excalibur smart artillery rounds and Javelin anti-tank missiles to bolster its capability against hostile threats and ensure rapid response along sensitive borders.

Excalibur: The Precision Weapon That Devastates Enemy Bunkers

According to The Economic Times, India urgently required Excalibur rounds after their extensive use across the LoC to target fortified terror hideouts.

These GPS and inertial-guided 155mm smart shells, made by Raytheon (RTX), can accurately strike targets over 30–50 km away with a margin of error of less than 10 meters.

• Fired from systems like M777 ultralight howitzers, K9 Vajra, Dhanush, and ATAGS
• Designed to destroy bunkers, hardened shelters, and high-value terror infrastructure
• Can neutralize up to seven targets in a single coordinated operation
• Provide deep-strike capabilities in all weather conditions

The M777 howitzers—made from titanium and aluminum—allow rapid mobility and high-impact firepower in mountainous regions.

Why Excalibur Ammunition Is in High Demand

Excalibur significantly extends the range of India’s artillery:

• 39-caliber guns: Range extended to 40 km
• 52-caliber guns: Range extended to 50 km

These rounds have become India’s preferred choice due to their unmatched precision and bunker-busting capability, especially along the LoC.

Deal Details and Quantities

India will receive:

• 216 M982A1 Excalibur projectiles worth USD 47.1 million
• 101 FGM-148 Javelin rounds
• 1 fly-to-buy Javelin missile
• 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU Block 1)
• Training modules, simulation rounds, manuals
• Lifecycle, logistics, and engineering support

The total value of the Javelin contract: USD 45.7 million.
Both deals will be executed by RTX Corporation, Arlington, Virginia.

Javelin Missiles: India’s Anti-Tank Edge

The shoulder-fired Javelin system is one of the world’s most effective anti-armor weapons. It can:

• Destroy tanks using top-attack mode
• Neutralize bunkers, armored vehicles, and hardened shelters
• Operate in fire-and-forget mode, allowing the operator to move immediately after launch

The DSCA said these sales will enhance India’s ability to meet current and future threats, add precision strike capability to its brigades, strengthen homeland defence, and bolster deterrence in the region.

What Is an Emergency Defence Procurement?

Under India’s emergency procurement, contracts are signed within weeks of approval, and deliveries are typically completed within one year. This route ensures India’s armed forces get critical equipment quickly during heightened security situations.