India is replenishing its stock of Excalibur guided artillery projectiles used during Operation Sindoor.  The US State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale to India of Excalibur Projectiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $47.1 million. This puts the cost of each guided artillery shell at $218,055 (Rs 1.93 crores)  per shell, along with the other items included.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification, notifying Congress. India had requested to buy up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. 

The Indian Army used the Excalibur projectile from the M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers for striking the targets. Using real-time GPS and drone-based targeting to achieve surgical strikes on terrorist infrastructure. The Excalibur is a 155mm precision-guided artillery shell that utilizes a GPS-guided system to achieve high accuracy in target strikes. The Excalibur provided the Indian Army with a precision-strike capability to target terrorist camps and infrastructure, complementing the Indian Air Force's aerial strikes. The projectile can be fired from the in-service K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzer. The projectile extends the effective range of 52-caliber howitzers, like the K9, to approximately 50 kilometres. In tests, it has successfully hit targets from 50 km away. 

The following non-MDE items will also be included: ancillary items; Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with Improved Platform Integration Kit (iPIK); primers; propellant charges; U.S. Government technical assistance; technical data; repair and return services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $47.1 million. 

Range of Projectile

The M982 Excalibur precision-guided projectile's range depends on the howitzer system from which it is fired. The typical maximum range is 40 kilometres when fired from a 39-caliber howitzer system like M777, M109A6 Paladin, etc, 50 kilometres when fired from a 52-caliber howitzer system, e.g., K9 Thunder, Archer, PzH 2000, 70 kilometres when fired from a 58-caliber long cannon, such as the US Army's Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system during testing. 

Javelin Missile

India has also acquired the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles from the US. The US State Department has approved Foreign Military Sale of the Javelin Missile System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $45.7 million. India will buy one hundred (100) FGM-148 Javelin rounds.

The FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system has an effective firing range of 2.5 kilometres for its standard man-portable configuration. Newer variants and launches from vehicle-mounted platforms have extended ranges. Newer missiles combined with the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LW CLU) can engage targets effectively up to 4 kilometres. When fired from a vehicle-integrated platform, the range can extend to approximately 4,750 meters. The minimum effective range in direct attack mode is 65 meters. The missile flies at a speed of around 140 meters per second (m/s), taking approximately 14 seconds to reach a target 2 kilometres away.

Can be used with Stryker

India is eyeing the Stryker vehicle and is looking to manufacture it jointly with the US. The Stryker vehicle can be equipped with the Javelin Anti-Tank Missile. The Javelin missile launcher is fitted on the Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), and along with it, the Indian Army wanted Javelin missiles so that it can be equipped on it.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.