India to get Javelin and Excalibur missiles soon: Check high-tech capabilities and features of these high-precision weapons

The US State Department has approved two missile packages for the Indian Army. The first is a $92.8 million sale of 100 Javelin missiles and 216 M982A1 Excalibur rounds.

The Javelin deal valued at $45.7 million, follows India’s request to purchase 100 FGM‑148 Javelin rounds, one FGM‑148 fly‑to‑buy missile and 25 lightweight command launch units or Javelin Block 1 command launch units. The deal also includes support system for the Javelin such as basic skills trainers, missile simulation rounds, battery coolant units, operator manuals, technical manuals, lifecycle support, physical security inspection, spare parts, system integration and checkout, technical assistance from SAMD and TAGM, tool kits, training, Block 1 CLU refurbishment services and other logistics and programme support.

Javelin missile system capabilities

According to Raytheon’s website, the Javelin is a man‑portable anti‑tank guided munition developed by the Javelin Joint Venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The command launch unit provides battlefield surveillance and enables engagement in day, night and all‑weather conditions. The manufacturer states that the weapon can be deployed from multiple platforms and has been demonstrated on a remote launcher mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle.

Also Read: US approves sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin Missile Systems worth $93 million to India

The system has been used in Afghanistan and Iraq in more than 5,000 engagements and is expected to remain in the US Army’s inventory until 2050, according to the manufacturer. Its automatic guidance allows operators to take cover immediately after firing. The missile’s top‑attack profile targets weaker armour sections, and its soft‑launch mechanism enables firing from enclosed spaces.

The manufacturer notes that the weapon uses fire‑and‑forget technology with a passive infrared seeker, requiring no external commands once launched. The CLU provides long‑wave infrared and visual optics for surveillance and target recognition, and the system is cited as having 94 percent reliability and strong resistance to countermeasures.

Javelin specifications

• Range: 65 metres to 4 kilometres in most operational conditions
• CLU sights: 4x day and 4x or 12x thermal
• Guidance: Autonomous fire‑and‑forget operation using a passive imaging infrared seeker
• Warhead: Tandem‑shaped charge multi‑purpose
• Weight: 25 lb (11.8 kg) missile; 15.4 lb (7.0 kg) CLU; 34 lb (15.5 kg) round
• Length: 42.6 in (108.2 cm) missile; 47.2 in (119.8 cm) launch tube
• Diameter : 5.0 in (12.7 cm) missile; 5.6 in (14.2 cm) launch tube
• Storage: Temperatures maintained between -46°C to +71°C

Excalibur precision artillery round

According to Raytheon’s website, the Excalibur projectile, co‑developed by Raytheon and BAE Systems Bofors, is a precision weapon with a radial miss distance of less than two metres. The manufacturer states that unlike “near precision” systems, Excalibur provides accurate first‑round effects at all ranges and in all weather conditions. It extends the reach of 39‑caliber artillery to 40 kilometres, 52‑caliber artillery to 50 kilometres and 58‑caliber artillery to 70 kilometres.

Raytheon’s website also notes that Excalibur’s precision reduces the time, cost and logistical demands associated with conventional artillery. Analyses cited by the manufacturer indicate that at least 10 conventional munitions may be required to match the effectiveness of a single Excalibur round.

Light Weight Modular Missile procurement

Earlier this year, the Army signed an agreement with UK‑based Thales to procure the Light Weight Modular Missile system to strengthen its air defence capabilities, according to TOI. LMM is designed for use across varied operational zones, including high‑altitude terrain. It employs a laser beam‑riding guidance method for accurate strikes with low collateral damage. The missile features a triple‑effect warhead and a proximity fuse, allowing it to engage aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and UCAVs — including platforms with low infrared signatures — at ranges beyond 6 kilometres and in all‑weather conditions.