By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US administration on Wednesday has approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles, with associated equipment, to India, with an estimated value of USD 47.1 million, according to media reports.
U.S. State Department has made a determination approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for the Excalibur projectiles and related equipment.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The Government of India has requested to purchase up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. Additional non-MDE items to be included are ancillary items, Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with Improved Platform Integration Kit, primers, propellant charges, US Government technical assistance, technical data, repair and return services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The total estimated cost is USD 47.1 million, sources said.
The proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the US-Indian strategic relationship and enhancing the security of a major defense partner.
India continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
The sale will improve India’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing precision capability equipment, enhancing first-strike accuracy in its brigades. India is fully capable of absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA.
U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale; any such agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of the proposed sale will not require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to India.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The description and dollar value reflect the highest estimated quantity and cost based on initial requirements.
Actual value may be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreements, if and when concluded, the sources said.
