Video: India To Purchase 216 Excalibur Rounds In USD 47.1 Million Deal

The United States has cleared the sale of 216 M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery rounds to India, valued at USD 47.1 million. The approval was confirmed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which has informed the US Congress of the proposed Foreign Military Sale.

Excalibur, a 155mm precision artillery round developed by RTX Corporation, can strike within two metres of its target in any weather, reducing collateral damage and easing the logistical load on artillery units. India already operates the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer, capable of firing Excalibur rounds, with 145 units procured nearly a decade ago and deployed along the Line of Control.

The approved package also includes Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with the Improved Platform Integration Kit (iPIK), primers, propellant charges, technical documentation, US government assistance, and repair-and-return services.

According to the DSCA, the sale will enhance India’s first-strike precision, bolster its capability to address present and emerging threats, and strengthen national defence. The agency added that the deal will not disturb the regional military balance and that India can readily integrate the additional equipment into its arsenal.