NEW DELHI: The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India involving M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles and supporting equipment, valued at an estimated $47.1 million, according to an announcement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The proposed sale includes up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles, along with Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with Improved Platform Integration Kits (iPIK), primers, propellant charges, technical data, logistics support, and repair and return services.
DSCA confirmed that the required certification has been delivered to the U.S. Congress.
According to the DSCA statement, the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”
The Excalibur system is a GPS-guided precision artillery projectile capable of engaging targets with high accuracy, significantly reducing collateral damage. DSCA stated that the acquisition will enhance India’s operational preparedness, noting:
“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing precision capability equipment, which will increase first strike accuracy in its brigades.”
The agency emphasized that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, and added that India is fully capable of integrating the equipment within its current defense structure. No additional U.S. government or contractor personnel will be required on the ground to implement the agreement.
RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has been named as the principal contractor for the project. The U.S. government also noted that it is “not aware of any offset agreement proposed”, with such terms expected to be negotiated directly between India and the contractor if required.
DSCA clarified that the cost estimate reflects the maximum potential value, and final numbers may be lower depending on negotiations, budget allocations, and contract terms.
