WASHINGTON: The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India involving Excalibur projectiles and related equipment valued at USD 47.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has submitted the necessary certification to Congress.
According to the proposal, India has sought to purchase up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. The package also includes several non-MDE items such as ancillary equipment, Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems with Improved Platform Integration Kits, primers, propellant charges, technical data, repair and return services, US Government technical assistance, and other logistics and program support elements. The total estimated cost remains USD 47.1 million, according to a DSCA release.
The DSCA stated that the sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership with India, a key defense partner that contributes significantly to political stability and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
The proposed acquisition is expected to enhance India’s ability to address current and future threats by equipping its brigades with improved precision strike capability. The DSCA noted that India is well-positioned to integrate these systems into its armed forces and that the sale will not affect the region’s basic military balance.
RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia, has been identified as the principal contractor. The US government has not reported any offset arrangements at this stage, with such agreements to be determined later between India and the contractor. The implementation of the sale is not expected to require additional US government or contractor personnel in India.
