The government of the United States has authorized the possible sale of new M982A1 Excalibur extended-range artillery projectiles to the Indian Army. This follows one of the most recent notifications issued by the U.S. Department of State to Congress, seeking approval for the operation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, valued at US$47.1 million.
Designated as the M982A1 by the U.S. Army, the Excalibur is a 155 mm extended-range artillery projectile equipped with a GPS-guided navigation system. These features allow it to accurately strike targets at distances of up to 70 kilometers, depending on the artillery system used for firing. Compatible systems include both self-propelled and towed artillery such as the M777, M109, M198, Archer, and PzH2000, among others.
In relation to the authorization, it is worth noting that the Indian Army operates the M777 ultralight howitzer, incorporated in 2018 with the first deliveries, as well as current plans—following agreements with BAE Systems and the U.S.—to begin local production under the “Make in India” program.
According to the announcement published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on November 19, India requested the purchase of a total of two hundred and sixteen (216) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles, along with related equipment such as portable fire-control systems, propellant charges, and support packages.
The operation, valued at the aforementioned US$47.1 million, lists U.S. firm RTX Corporation as the principal contractor.
The Department of State indicated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.–Indian strategic relationship, as well as improving the security of a major defense partner that continues to be a key force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”
It added: “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. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
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