US approves sale of Javelin to India: What is the missile and what does it mean for New Delhi’s defence? explainer news

Last updated:November 20, 2025, 11:36 IST

Washington’s approval of the $93 million package, including Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur precision artillery rounds, marks a significant upgrade to India’s stockpile.

United States approved Two major defense sales to India It is valued at about $93 million, a move that deepens New Delhi’s access to high-precision, American-origin weapons. The approval, issued by the US State Department through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), includes two separate packages: one for the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system worth $45.7 million, and the other for the M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery round worth $47.1 million.

The DSCA said the sale will “improve India’s capability to respond to current and future threats,” adding that the equipment will increase “first strike accuracy across its brigades.”

India already operates both systems in limited numbers, and the new procurement is aimed at replenishing stocks, expanding capacity and improving interoperability with other US-origin platforms. The DSCA also noted that the sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

What exactly is the Javelin missile system?

The Javelin is one of the most widely used modern anti-tank guided missile systems in the world. It is jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, and is designed as a man-portable, shoulder-launched, fire-and-forget weapon.

According to Lockheed Martin, the Javelin uses a fire-and-forget infrared seeker that allows the operator to lock on to a target before launch. Once fired, the missile automatically guides itself, freeing the soldier to move, take cover or prepare to attack another target. Lockheed Martin says that “Soldiers can change their position immediately after firing, or reload to engage another threat with the Javelin system.”

The weapon has two attack modes. Its top-attack profile is designed to climb and land on the upper surfaces of tanks, where armor is traditionally weakest. It also has the option of direct attack on bunkers, buildings, hidden targets or vehicles at close range.

The weapon system profile on the Lockheed Martin website states that “Using an arched top-attack profile, the Javelin climbs above its target for better visibility and then strikes where the armor is weakest,” adding that “the Javelin command launch unit sends a lock-on signal to the missile prior to launch.” The system also features what the company describes as a “soft launch design”, which allows it to be fired from interior structures such as bunkers or buildings without exposing soldiers to back-blast.

The missile is housed in a disposable launch tube, while sighting and control functions are performed on a reusable command launch unit (CLU). The CLU includes day and thermal imaging modes, allowing the weapon to be used in various environments, at any time of the day and in difficult weather conditions.

The system has been used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq, with over 5,000 documented engagements. It can be employed from multiple platforms, although the man-portable configuration is its most recognizable or widely used form.

According to the OE Data Integration Network (ODIN), the missile can reach an altitude of 500 feet when operating in top-attack mode and about 190 feet in direct-fire mode.

What is India buying under the Javelin package?

Full details of India’s request are given in the DSCA approval. Of the four sources, the components include:

• 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds
• A “fly-by” FGM-148 missile was used for testing
• 25 Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) or Block 1 CLU
• Javelin Basic Skills Instructor
• missile simulation round
• battery cooling units
• Interactive Electronic Technical Manual
• operator manual
• spare parts
• tool kit
• lifecycle support
• physical security inspection
• System Integration and Checkout
• Technical assistance from Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD)
• Technical support from the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office
• Block 1 CLU Renewal Services
• Logistics and Program Support Elements

Who else uses a spear?

The Javelin is one of the most widely exported Western anti-tank guided missile systems, operated by more than twenty armies in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.

In addition to the United States, its largest user, confirmed operators include the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, New Zealand, and Greece.

Several other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Georgia, Ireland, Belgium, Thailand, Turkey and India, have either incorporated the system or received approval to do so through formal procurement announcements.

The system has also seen widespread operational use, most prominently in Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Ukraine, reflecting its status as the preferred fire-and-miss anti-armor weapon for modern armed forces.

India’s new Excalibur purchase

The approved package also includes the Excalibur Precision Artillery Projectile.

Excalibur is a 155 mm GPS-guided, extended-range artillery round manufactured by Raytheon. According to Raytheon, it uses a jam-resistant internal GPS receiver combined with an inertial navigation system, allowing it to travel distances of less than two meters. The round has multiple fuze modes and provides high precision even in difficult terrain or urban settings.

Raytheon claims that a single Excalibur round can replace several conventional artillery shells, reducing both ammunition expense and the risk of collateral damage.

India is purchasing up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur projectiles, supported by support equipment, fire-control equipment such as portable electronic fire control systems along with improved platform integration kits (iPIK), primers, propellant charges, technical support, repair-and-return services, logistics support, and technical data from the US government.

The prime contractor for the Excalibur component is RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies).

How does Javelin system help India?

Javelin underpins India’s modernization goals in several key ways:

1. improved anti-armour capability: The system’s tandem-shaped charge warhead and top-attack profile are designed to defeat both reactive and conventional armor. This is directly related to India’s anti-weapon requirements.
2. More survivability for soldiers:Fire and forget The seeker allows operators to fire and move immediately. Soft-launch capability makes it usable from within closed spaces, which is a significant tactical advantage.
3. Increase in first-strike accuracy: DSCA repeatedly says that the systems included in the deal will enhance India’s “first strike accuracy”. This applies to both Javelin and Excalibur components.
4. Interoperability with US-origin platforms: India’s military has been acquiring more American systems over the past few years, and the Javelin purchase adds another layer of compatibility for joint training or operations.
5. Support for India’s broader strategic goals: The approval said the sale contributes to efforts to “strengthen deterrence and homeland defense in line with India’s ongoing modernization of firepower and mobility.”

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