US clears sale of Excalibur shells, Javelin missile systems to India, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The US State Department approved the sale of Excalibur guided artillery projectiles and Javelin missile systems to India.
• The estimated cost is $47.1 million for Excalibur projectiles and $45.7 million for the Javelin missile system.
• The sale includes 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds.
• The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the proposed sales.

Detailed Insights:

• The Excalibur projectiles will enhance India's precision strike capabilities and improve the first strike accuracy of its brigades.
• The Javelin missile system will provide India with advanced anti-tank capabilities, strengthening its defense against armored threats.
• The Indian Army already uses Excalibur rounds, with a range of 40 to 57 km, compatible with various 155 mm guns like Bofors and M777 Howitzer.
• The sale does not include Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs), but includes missile simulation rounds and operator manuals.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Excalibur: A GPS-guided artillery shell extending the range and accuracy of conventional howitzers.
• Javelin: A portable anti-tank missile system with fire-and-forget capability.
• FGM-148: The designation for the Javelin missile.