US Approves Major Defense Sale to India in $93M Deal Boosting Ties

The United States has approved a possible defense sale to India worth about 93 million dollars. The announcement was made on Wednesday after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency issued the required documents and informed the US Congress. The approval includes the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles, Excalibur artillery projectiles, and several related equipment and support services.

According to officials, the decision supports the national security interests of the United States by strengthening defense cooperation with India. Washington sees India as a major strategic partner and an important country for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions.

What Is Included In The First Package?

The first package, worth around 45.7 million dollars, includes the Javelin FGM-148 missile system. Along with the missiles, India will also receive 25 lightweight or Block 1 Command Launch Units. The support package will provide training systems, operator manuals, spare parts, simulation rounds, technical assistance, security inspection support, and other maintenance services needed to operate and manage the system effectively.

What Is Included In The Second Package?

The second package allows the sale of Excalibur M982A1 artillery projectiles and related equipment, costing approximately 47.1 million dollars. India has requested up to 216 Excalibur rounds. These modern precision-guided projectiles can accurately hit targets over long distances. The package also includes fire control systems, technical data, tools, repair services, and other logistical and operational support.

Why The Sale Matters

US officials stated that the deal will improve India’s ability to respond to current and future threats, enhance homeland defense, and strengthen deterrence in the region. They also said India will have no difficulty integrating the new systems into its armed forces. The sale is not expected to disturb the military balance in the region and will not negatively affect US defense readiness.

The approval marks another significant step in growing defense cooperation between the two countries, as both continue to deepen military and strategic ties in a rapidly changing regional environment.