View source for M982 Excalibur

{{Short description|155 mm guided artillery shell}}
<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=Raytheon-Bofors Excalibur|2=Talk:M982 Excalibur#Requested move 9 June 2025}}
</noinclude>{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = M982 Excalibur
| image              = XM982 Excalibur inert (cropped).jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = 
| origin             = Sweden, United States
| type               = [[Cannon-launched guided projectile|Guided artillery shell]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
| is_explosive       = yes
| is_artillery       = yes
| is_missile         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 
| used_by            = See [[#Operators|operators]]
| wars               = <!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[BAE Systems AB]]: ''[[BAE Systems Bofors|Bofors]]''<br />[[Raytheon Missiles & Defense]]
| unit_cost          = [[US$]]112.8k (FY2021 President's Budget Request)
| production_date    = 
| number             = 
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{cvt|106|lb|disp=flip}}<ref name=ndia>{{cite web|url= http://proceedings.ndia.org/5560/Wednesday/Session_III-A/Gudjohnsen.pdf|title= Development of the XM982 Excalibur Fuzing System|date= 7 April 2005|access-date= 18 September 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160224054943/http://proceedings.ndia.org/5560/Wednesday/Session_III-A/Gudjohnsen.pdf|archive-date= 24 February 2016|url-status= live}}</ref>
| length             = {{cvt|39.2|in|cm|disp=flip}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| diameter           = {{convert|155|mm|abbr=on}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = 
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = [[155 mm]]
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = <!-- {{convert|123|m/s}} -->
| range              =
| max_range          = {{plainlist|
* '''Increment Ia-1:'''
** {{cvt|23|km}}
* '''Increment Ia-2/Ib:'''
** {{cvt|40|km}} (39 cal)<ref name="raytheon"/>
** {{cvt|50|km}} (52 cal)<ref name="raytheon"/>
** {{cvt|70|km}} ([[Extended Range Cannon Artillery|58 cal]])<ref name="raytheon"/>
}}
| feed               = 
| sights             = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling            = [[Polymer-bonded explosive|PBXN-9]]
| filling_weight     = {{convert|5.4|kg|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |author=ARG |url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/m982_excalibur.htm |title=M982 Excalibur Extended-Range GPS-Guided Projectile |publisher=Military-Today.com |date= |accessdate=10 March 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325144932/https://military-today.com/artillery/m982_excalibur.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
| detonation         = 
| yield              = 
| guidance           = [[GPS]], [[inertial navigation]]
<!-- Missiles only -->
| accuracy           = {{plainlist|
* M892: < {{convert|20|m|abbr=on}} CEP<ref>{{Cite web |title=Excalibur Datasheet |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en-media/uploadFile/20210404014309/1434555562238.pdf |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=BAE Systems}}</ref>
* M892A1: {{convert|4|m|abbr=on}} CEP, or < {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}} CEP (K9 at {{convert|50|km|abbr=on}} range)
}}
}}

The '''M982 Excalibur''' (previously '''XM982''') is a [[155 mm]] extended-range [[guided artillery shell]] developed in a collaborative effort between the [[U.S. Army Research Laboratory]] (ARL) and the [[United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center]] (ARDEC).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lyons |first1=John W. |title=Some Recent Sensor-Related Army Critical Technology Events |url=http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA586199 |website=Defense Technical Information Center |publisher=National Defense University |accessdate=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620174307/http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA586199 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Excalibur was developed and/or manufactured by prime contractor [[Raytheon Missiles & Defense]], [[BAE Systems AB]] ([[BAE Systems Bofors]]) and other subs and primes in multiple capacities such as [[Camber Corporation]] and [[Huntington Ingalls Industries]]. It is a [[GPS]] and [[Inertial navigation system|inertial-guided]] munition capable of being used in close support situations within {{convert|75|-|150|m|sigfig=2|sp=us}} of friendly troops or in situations where targets might be [[Fire discipline#Call for fire|prohibitively close]] to civilians to attack with conventional unguided artillery fire. In 2015, the United States planned to procure 7,474 rounds with a [[Fiscal year|FY]] 2015 total program cost of [[US$]]1.9341 billion at an average cost of US$258,777 per unit.<ref name="GAO 2015"/> By 2016, unit costs were reduced to US$68,000 per round.<ref name="breakingdefense12jan16">[http://breakingdefense.com/2016/01/excalibur-goes-to-sea-raytheon-smart-artillery-shoots-back/ Excalibur Goes To Sea: Raytheon Smart Artillery Shoots Back] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301225211/http://breakingdefense.com/2016/01/excalibur-goes-to-sea-raytheon-smart-artillery-shoots-back/ |date=1 March 2017 }} – Breakingdefense.com, 12 January 2016</ref> Versions that add [[Precision-guided munition#Laser-guided weapons|laser-guidance]] capability and are designed to be fired from [[Naval artillery|naval guns]] began testing in 2015.<ref name="GAO 2015">{{cite web | url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/668986.pdf#page=87 | page=79 | title=GAO-15-342SP DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs | publisher=US Government Accountability Office | date=March 2015 | accessdate=15 July 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043422/http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/668986.pdf#page=87 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | url-status=live }} Program cost is $1,934.1m (FY15) of which $790.4m is procurement cost, for 7,474 rounds for the US Army</ref><ref name="raytheon30sept15">[http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2015-09-30-Raytheons-combat-proven-Excalibur-moves-closer-to-sea-based-application "Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur moves closer to sea-based application."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002032903/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2015-09-30-Raytheons-combat-proven-Excalibur-moves-closer-to-sea-based-application |date=2 October 2015 }} – Raytheon news release, 30 September 2015</ref><ref name="2016USArmycontract">http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-02-16-US-Army-awards-Raytheon-31-8-million-contract-for-continued-Excalibur-production {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827083944/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-02-16-US-Army-awards-Raytheon-31-8-million-contract-for-continued-Excalibur-production |date=27 August 2017 }} – Raytheon news release, 16 February 2016. Contract amount was $31.8 million for 464 rounds.</ref> By October 2018, over 1,400 rounds had been fired in combat.<ref name="armyreco9oct18">[https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/raytheon_us_army_upgrade_excalibur_precision_guided_projectile.html Raytheon, US Army upgrade Excalibur precision guided projectile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011140355/https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/raytheon_us_army_upgrade_excalibur_precision_guided_projectile.html |date=11 October 2018 }}. ''Army Recognition''. 9 October 2018.</ref> 

==Description==
Excalibur, named after the [[Excalibur|mythical sword of King Arthur]], was developed as a longer-range alternative to conventional artillery shells, with [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] guidance for improved accuracy.<ref name="GLOBAL"/> Excalibur has a range of approximately {{convert|40|to|57|km|sp=us}} depending on configuration, with a [[circular error probable]] (CEP) of {{convert|4|m|ft|spell=in|sp=us}},<ref>{{Cite web| title=Precision Strike Association - Excalibur Overview | url=https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2012/annual_psr/Milner.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118071602/https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2012/annual_psr/Milner.pdf | archive-date=2019-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2010_SARS/EXCALIBUR-SAR-25_DEC_2010.pdf|title=Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) – Excalibur|publisher=US Department of Defense|url-status=live |date=31 December 2011|id=DD-A&T(Q&A)823–366|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916105134/http://www.dod.gov/pubs/foi/logistics_material_readiness/acq_bud_fin/SARs/DEC%202011%20SAR/EXCALIBUR%20-%20SAR%20-%2031%20DEC%202011.pdf |archivedate=16 September 2012  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/excalibur/index.html |title=Raytheon Company: Excalibur |publisher=Raytheon.com |accessdate=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002052030/http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/excalibur/index.html |archive-date=2 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Colin |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/10/27/excalibur-use-rises-in-afghanistan/ |title=Excalibur Use Rises In Afghanistan |publisher=DoD Buzz |date=27 October 2010 |accessdate=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012032818/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/10/27/excalibur-use-rises-in-afghanistan/ |archive-date=12 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m982-155-program.htm |title=XM982 Excalibur 155mm Precision Guided Extended Range Artillery Projectile |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |accessdate=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301050012/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m982-155-program.htm |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_BAE_Systems_Bofors_Excalibur_Closer_to_Fielding_999.html |title=Raytheon-BAE Systems Bofors' Excalibur Closer to Fielding |publisher=Spacewar.com |date=19 September 2006 |accessdate=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928192647/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_BAE_Systems_Bofors_Excalibur_Closer_to_Fielding_999.html |archive-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> while unguided Western artillery shells can land up to {{convert|150|m|ft|sp=us}} from the target at a range of {{convert|24|km|mi|abbr=on}}. While much more expensive at $68,000 per shell compared to an $800 unguided M777 shell, it is less expensive than the $150,000 rocket used in US guided-missile systems like [[M142 HIMARS]] and [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System]].<ref name="wsj20221009">{{Cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Alistair |last2=Michaels |first2=Daniel |date=9 October 2022 |title=BAE, U.S. in Talks to Restart M777 Howitzer Production After Ukraine Success |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/bae-u-s-in-talks-to-restart-m777-howitzer-production-after-ukraine-success-11665307803 |access-date=10 October 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> Excalibur's extended range is achieved through the use of folding glide fins, which allow the [[projectile]] to glide from the top of a [[External ballistics|ballistic]] arc toward the target.  A lower cost alternative to the Excalibur is to use the US Army designed [[M1156 precision guidance kit]] to turn existing 155&nbsp;mm shells into precision weapons.<ref name="GLOBSEC">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m1156.htm XM1156 precision guidance kit (PGK)]. Global Security.</ref>

The munition was co-developed by United States-based [[Raytheon_Missiles_%26_Defense|Raytheon Missiles & Defense]] (guidance system) and the Swedish [[BAE Systems Bofors]] (body, base, ballistics, and payload).<ref name="GLOBAL">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m982-155.htm|title=XM982 Excalibur 155mm Precision Guided Extended Range Artillery Projectile|accessdate=27 May 2007|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904112207/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m982-155.htm|archive-date=4 September 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> Excalibur is used to minimize [[collateral damage]], for targets beyond the range of standard munitions, for precise firing within {{convert|150|m|sp=us}} of friendly troops, or when terrain prevents [[direct fire]].<ref name="GLOBAL"/><ref name=yon>{{cite web |url=http://www.michaelyon-online.com/big-guns.htm |title=Big Guns |publisher=MichaelYon.com |accessdate=10 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609065749/http://www.michaelyon-online.com/big-guns.htm |archive-date=9 June 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has a multi-function fuze that can be programmed to explode [[air burst|in the air]], once it hits a hard surface, or after it penetrates a target.<ref name="armymil11sept08">[https://www.army.mil/article/12329/ Picatinny's GPS-guided Excalibur artillery round deemed 'amazingly accurate' by troop]  – Army.mil, 11 September 2008</ref> One Excalibur projectile can accurately hit an intended target that would require the use of between 10 and 50 unguided artillery rounds.<ref name="armyreco8feb14">[http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/us._army_raytheon_successfully_fired_30_gps-guided_excalibur_projectiles_during_firing_test_0802142.html US. Army and Raytheon successfully fired 30 GPS-guided Excalibur projectiles during firing test] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305035533/http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/us._army_raytheon_successfully_fired_30_gps-guided_excalibur_projectiles_during_firing_test_0802142.html |date=5 March 2014 }} – Armyrecognition.com, 8 February 2014</ref>

Initial combat experience with Excalibur in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] in the summer of 2007 was highly successful, with 92% of rounds falling within {{convert|4|m|sp=us|spell=in}} of their targets. Its performance was so impressive that the U.S. Army planned to increase production to 150 rounds per month from the previous 18 rounds per month.<ref>Aviation Week & Space Technology, 2007-09-03, page 20</ref><ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/13880/20080822/ Swedish missile among U.S. Army's favourites in Iraq] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080826110814/http://www.thelocal.se/13880/20080822/ |date=26 August 2008 }} ''The Local'', 22 August 2008</ref> In 2012, Excalibur rounds reached new record ranges in combat of {{convert|36|km|mi}}.<ref>[http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Marines_fire_Excalibur_from_record_range_in_Afghanistan_999.html "US Marines fire Excalibur from record range in Afghanistan."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617191410/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Marines_fire_Excalibur_from_record_range_in_Afghanistan_999.html |date=17 June 2012 }} ''Space War'', 13 June 2012.</ref> In December 2020, the round was successfully tested out to a range of {{cvt|43.5|mi|abbr=on|0}} using a supercharged propellant out of a 58-caliber-long [[Extended Range Cannon Artillery]] (ERCA) gun tube.<ref>{{cite web|last=Judson|first=Jen|date=21 December 2020|title=Army long-range cannon gets direct hit on target 43 miles away|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/12/21/army-long-range-cannon-gets-direct-hit-on-target-43-miles-away/|access-date=24 December 2020|website=[[Defense News]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/23/new-army-cannon-hits-target-43-miles-away-test.html New Army Cannon Hits Target 43 Miles Away in Test]. ''[[Military.com]]''. 23 December 2020.</ref> 

Self-propelled guns compatible with the Excalibur projectile are the American [[M109 howitzer|M109A6 Paladin]] and M109A7, British [[AS-90]], German [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH 2000]], South African [[G6 howitzer|G6]], Swedish [[Archer Artillery System|Archer]] and French [[CAESAR self-propelled howitzer|Caesar]]. Towed guns compatible with the Excalibur projectile are the American [[M198 howitzer|M198]] and [[M777 howitzer|M777]] howitzers.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Excalibur demonstrates unparalleled precision in live-fire testing from PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer |date=10 December 2013 |website=Raytheon News Release Archive |url= https://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2478|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810155806/http://www.deagel.com/news/German-Army-PzH-2000-Howitzer-Test-Fires-Excalibur-155mm-Artillery-Projectile_n000012199.aspx |archive-date=10 August 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to media, Excalibur ammunition was also used with [[AHS Krab]] in 2022 in combat in Ukraine, obtaining range above {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=ex>{{cite web |author=Jakub Palowski|title = Kraby walczą Excaliburem |date=14 November 2022|website= Defence24.pl |url = https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/kraby-walcza-excaliburem|language=pl}}</ref>

The [[U.S. Navy]] had considered using the Excalibur in the [[Zumwalt-class destroyer|''Zumwalt''-class destroyer]]'s [[Advanced Gun System]] following the cancelation of the [[Long Range Land Attack Projectile]], but the plan was later abandoned.<ref>[https://news.usni.org/2019/01/21/navy-studying-hyper-velocity-projectile-ammo-zumwalt-guns Navy Studying Hyper Velocity Projectile, Other Ammo for Zumwalt Guns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125130935/https://news.usni.org/2019/01/21/navy-studying-hyper-velocity-projectile-ammo-zumwalt-guns |date=25 January 2019 }}. ''USNI News''. 21 January 2019.</ref>

The Excalibur has been shown to be vulnerable to GPS jamming. When shells were first supplied to Ukraine during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], they initially hit targets with a 70% efficiency rate. However, within six weeks the Russians had adapted their [[electronic warfare]] systems and reduced its efficiency to only 6%.<ref>[https://www.twz.com/air/jdam-er-winged-bombs-with-seekers-that-home-in-on-gps-jammers-headed-to-ukraine JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine]. ''The War Zone''. 3 May 2024.</ref>{{vague|date=June 2025}}

===Variants===
There are three versions of the system. Initial development effort was toward Increment I; Milestone C decisions were to be made on Increment II and III in FY2013, with a demonstration of those capabilities by 2020.<ref name=DOTE2007/>

* '''Increment I''' has a unitary penetrating [[warhead]] for use against stationary targets.
** '''Increment Ia-1''': Accelerated development, reduced-range round. Entered service in 2007.<ref name="SP2">{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060821.aspx |title=Strategy Page – Excalibur Delayed Again |access-date=21 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031211557/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060821.aspx |archive-date=31 October 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> (XM982)<ref name="dtic">[http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2012annual_psr/Milner.pdf Precision Strike Association Excalibur Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222151948/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2012annual_psr/Milner.pdf |date=22 December 2014 }}</ref>
** '''Increment Ia-2''': Extended-range round with resistance to GPS jamming. (M982)<ref name="dtic"/>
** '''Increment Ib''': Full-capability, reduced-cost, mass-production round. (M982A1)<ref name="dtic"/>
***'''Excalibur S''': In June 2013, Raytheon initiated an internally funded program to upgrade the Excalibur Ib with additional [[Laser guidance|semi-active laser]] [[Targeting (warfare)|targeting]] capability. The SAL seeker allows the shell to attack targets that have re-positioned after firing or are moving, and to change the impact point to avoid collateral damage.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Raytheon-Unveils-Excalibur-with-Dual-GPS-and-Semi-Active-Laser-Guidance_n000011678.aspx Raytheon Unveils Excalibur with Dual GPS and Semi-Active Laser Guidance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606222021/http://www.deagel.com/news/Raytheon-Unveils-Excalibur-with-Dual-GPS-and-Semi-Active-Laser-Guidance_n000011678.aspx |date=6 June 2014 }} – Deagel.com, 20 June 2013</ref><ref>[http://defensesystems.com/Articles/2014/06/16/Excalibur-S-GPS-laser-guidance.aspx?Page=2 Excalibur S artillery shell can change course in flight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906211448/http://defensesystems.com/Articles/2014/06/16/Excalibur-S-GPS-laser-guidance.aspx?Page=2|date=6 September 2015}} – Defensesystems.com, 16 June 2014</ref>
***'''Excalibur N5''': Version of the Excalibur S downsized into a {{cvt|127|mm}} shell to give naval guns mounted on destroyers and cruisers the ability to fire extended-range guided projectiles. Raytheon was also considering a [[millimeter wave]] seeker for [[fire-and-forget]] operations.<ref name="breakingdefense12jan16"/>
***'''Excalibur HTK''': Excalibur HTK has an armor-penetrating warhead and leverages the proven StormBreaker smart weapon design. It autonomously locates a target with an all-weather seeker that is effective against moving and imprecisely located targets. <ref name="raytheon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/land/excalibur-projectile|publisher=Raytheon (an [[RTX Corporation|RTX business]])|title=Excalibur Projectile |access-date=27 July 2024|archive-date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831115345/https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/what-we-do/land-warfare/precision-weapons/excalibur-projectile |url-status=live}}</ref>
***'''Excalibur EST''': Excalibur Shaped Trajectory, allows the shell to make its final approach at an angle; demonstrated in August 2018 and deployed shortly thereafter.<ref name="armyreco9oct18"/>
* '''Increment II''' "Smart" projectile for moving and time-sensitive targets.<ref name=DOTE2007>{{cite web | url=http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2007/pdf/army/2007excalibur.pdf | title=Excalibur XM982 Precision Engagement Projectiles | publisher=Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation | year=2007 | access-date=29 August 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126220400/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2007/pdf/army/2007excalibur.pdf | archive-date=26 January 2016 | url-status=dead }}</ref> May carry either 65 [[DPICM]] or two [[SADARM]] [[submunition]]s.<ref name="GLOBAL"/>
*'''Increment III''' "Discriminating" projectile "to [[Automatic target recognition|search, detect, and selectively engage]] individual vehicles by distinguishing specific target characteristics".<ref name=DOTE2007/>

==History==
[[File:XM982ExcaliburRound.jpg|thumb|The first operational use of M982 Excalibur, against a suspected insurgent safe house north of Baghdad on 5 May 2007]]
[[File:CheckExcalibur conv.jpg|thumbnail|US Army artillerymen preparing an M982 Excalibur round for firing in Afghanistan, 2008]]

Excalibur started as a development program in 1992. The Operational Requirements Document (ORD) of May 1997 called for 200,000 rounds of an unguided munition with increased range at an estimated cost of $4,000/round, and Texas Instruments was awarded the initial EMD contract on 23 January 1998. In November 2001 the volume was cut to 76,677 rounds and soon after this was further reduced to 61,483,<ref name=RAND>{{citation | title=Root Cause Analyses of Nunn-McCurdy Breaches, Volume 2 – Excalibur Artillery Projectile and the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning Program, with an Approach to Analyzing Complexity and Risk | first1=Irv | last1=Blickstein | first2=Jeffrey A. | last2=Drezner | publisher=RAND Corporation | isbn=9780833076434 | url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1171z2.html | year=2012 | display-authors=etal | access-date=29 August 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003232430/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1171z2.html | archive-date=3 October 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> but the developers were encouraged by the Indian experience of using Russian [[Krasnopol (weapon system)|Krasnopol]] guided shells against Pakistani bunkers in the [[Kargil War]] of 1999.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060207.aspx | title='One Shot, One Kill' May Not Be Worth It | date=7 February 2006 | publisher=StrategyPage | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214184946/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060207.aspx | archive-date=14 December 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2004 the program was merged with a Swedish/U.S. program to create Trajectory Correctable Munitions, reflected in a new ORD in September 2004 which removed the [[Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition]] "cluster bomb" variant in favor of the discriminating munition variant. Later that year the U.S. Army reduced its planned order to 30,000 rounds. Low-rate production of 500 rounds was approved in May 2005 and Raytheon was awarded a contract to produce 165 rounds in June 2005,<ref name=RAND/> worth $22.1 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/raytheon-receives-221m-to-deliver-excalibur-gps-shells-ahead-of-schedule-0782/ | title=Raytheon Receives $22.1M to Deliver Excalibur GPS Shells Ahead of Schedule | publisher=Defense Industry Daily | date=30 June 2005 | access-date=29 August 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021034017/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/raytheon-receives-221m-to-deliver-excalibur-gps-shells-ahead-of-schedule-0782/ | archive-date=21 October 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> In September of that year, the round was successfully demonstrated at [[Yuma Proving Ground]], Arizona.<ref>[http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/200510/itf_excalibur.html Troops could have new Picatinny-developed smart artillery munition by March – RDECOM Magazine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619214646/http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/200510/itf_excalibur.html |date=19 June 2006 }}</ref> Raytheon was awarded a $42.7 million contract for production of 335 Excalibur projectiles and related test articles and services in June 2006 for that fiscal year.<ref name="DEG">{{cite web |url=https://www.deagel.com/Defensive%20Weapons/M982%20Excalibur/a001159#001|title=XM982 Excalibur|website=Deagel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925051114/http://deagel.com/pandora/xm982-excalibur_mn00010001.aspx |access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=25 September 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2006, technical problems relating to environmental sensitivity and GPS signal lock were discovered, pushing the expected in-service date to spring 2007.<ref name="SP2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060810.aspx |title=Strategy Page – Excalibur Freeze Out |access-date=21 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101002225/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20060810.aspx |archive-date=1 November 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Testing in September demonstrated an actual average CEP of {{cvt|5|m|sigfig=1}} or better.<ref name="RAYSEP">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=910473&TICK=RTNB12&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F09-18-2006%2F0004434703&EDATE=Sep+18%2C+2006 |title=Successful Safety Testing of GPS-Guided Artillery Projectile Puts Raytheon-BAE Systems Bofors' Excalibur Closer to Fielding – Raytheon |access-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714061659/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=910473&TICK=RTNB12&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F09-18-2006%2F0004434703&EDATE=Sep+18%2C+2006 |archive-date=14 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Increment Ia-1 completed testing in early 2007 and in April that year the U.S. Army approved an Urgent Material Release to allow deployment to Iraq.<ref name=DOTE2007/> The Excalibur was first operationally fired in Iraq in May 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/news/stories/07May/may128.htm|title=America's First Team first-ever to fire Excalibur precision munition in combat}}{{dead link |date=June 2025}}</ref> Increment Ia-2 achieved a {{convert|40|km|sp=us}} range in a live-fire demonstration in April 2007 and in July the Army Acquisition Executive approved the Milestone C decision for Ia-2 to enter low-rate production.<ref name=DOTE2007/> The munition was developed with [[United States dollar|US$]]55.1 million in financial assistance from [[Sweden]], which expected to receive service rounds in 2010. The Excalibur debuted in Afghanistan in February 2008.<ref name="armymil11sept08"/> The Australian Army ordered US$40 million of Excalibur rounds in October 2007, an order revised in April 2008 to an estimated US$58 million.<ref>[http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2007/Australia_08-09.pdf Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 1 October 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718141115/http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2007/Australia_08-09.pdf |date=18 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Australia_08-51.pdf Defense Security Cooperation Agency, April 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718141130/http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Australia_08-51.pdf |date=18 July 2009 }}</ref> In 2008 unit cost was US$85,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20080828.aspx |title=Cannot Get Enough Excalibur |access-date=29 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829021058/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20080828.aspx |archive-date=29 August 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2008 both Raytheon and Alliant Techsystems were awarded competitive development contracts for Increment Ib mass production,<ref name=RAND/> but Raytheon secured the final manufacturing contract in August 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100827/DEFSECT02/8270303/Raytheon-Beats-ATK-Win-Excalibur-Job | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121083949/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100827/DEFSECT02/8270303/Raytheon-Beats-ATK-Win-Excalibur-Job | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 January 2013 | title=Raytheon Beats ATK to Win Excalibur Job | date=27 August 2010 | first=Kate | last=Brannen}}</ref> Test firings of Increment Ia-1 rounds in March 2009 revealed that the Honeywell inertial measurement unit was not up to standard, and it was replaced by a unit from Atlantic Inertial Systems. In April 2010 the U.S. Army's planned order was cut further, from 30,000 rounds to 6,264, which increased the unit cost sufficiently that it triggered an investigation under the [[Nunn–McCurdy Amendment]]. Normally a Nunn-McCurdy breach signals a program in trouble, but a 2012 RAND report concluded that the unit cost increases were caused by the cuts in procurement numbers: fewer shells were needed for the same effect, due to the improved accuracy of modern artillery.<ref name=RAND/>

The Excalibur gives U.S. [[brigade]] commanders a precision weapon that is locally available, regardless of weather conditions (unlike bombs dropped from aircraft). Because the M982 is so accurate, the risks of friendly-fire casualties and collateral damage are no longer deterrents to using gun artillery in urban environments, and the Excalibur is sometimes called in only {{cvt|50|m}} away from friendly infantrymen. In February 2012, a U.S. Marine Corps [[M777 howitzer]] in [[Helmand province]], Afghanistan, fired a single Excalibur round that killed a group of insurgents at a Marine-record range of {{convert|36|km|sp=us}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20120630/NEWS/206300308/Long-shot-Artillery-battery-sets-lethal-record | title=Long shot: Artillery battery sets lethal record | publisher=Marine Corps Times | date=30 June 2012 | accessdate=11 October 2013 | author=Lamothe, Dan | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012102151/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20120630/NEWS/206300308/Long-shot-Artillery-battery-sets-lethal-record | archivedate=12 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In December 2012, Raytheon received a $56.6 million contract for [[Low rate initial production|low-rate initial production]] of Excalibur Ib projectiles.<ref>[http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2281 Raytheon's new precision artillery ready for low-rate initial production] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304123323/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2281 |date=4 March 2013 }} – Raytheon press release, 20 February 2013</ref> On 10 September 2013, Raytheon received a $54 million contract for a second lot of Excalibur Ib artillery rounds. The Excalibur Ib has improved reliability and lower unit cost than the previous Excalibur Ia-1 and Ia-2. At the time of the award, over 690 Excalibur projectiles had been fired in theater.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-army-awards-raytheon-54-million-for-excalibur-ib-223077421.html US Army awards Raytheon $54 million for Excalibur Ib] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223123658/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-army-awards-raytheon-54-million-for-excalibur-ib-223077421.html |date=23 February 2016 }} – PRNewswire.com, 10 September 2013</ref> In February 2014, the U.S. Army and Raytheon fired 30 Excalibur Ib shells at test targets to confirm the performance and reliability of the configuration before full-rate production. Projectiles were fired from Paladin and M777 howitzers at ranges from {{cvt|7|to|38|km|sigfig=2}}, each hitting within an average of {{cvt|1.6|m|sp=us}} from the target.<ref name="armyreco8feb14"/>

On 3 April 2014, the last Excalibur Ia projectile was assembled, signaling the transition to Increment Ib focus. Over 6,500 Ia shells were delivered to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as several international customers.<ref>[http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/highlights/archive/2014/04-14-14.asp Picatinny completes Excalibur 1a-2 production, transitions to 1b] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523225716/http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/highlights/archive/2014/04-14-14.asp |date=23 May 2014 }} – Pica.Army.mil, 14 April 2014</ref> Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) for the Excalibur Ib was completed in May 2014, moving the projectile closer to full-rate production. Testing of the Excalibur Ib averaged a miss distance of less than {{cvt|2|m|ft}}.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Excalibur-Ib-Completes-US-Armys-Initial-Operational-Test-and-Evaluation_n000012708.aspx Excalibur Ib Completes US Army's Initial Operational Test and Evaluation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524004217/http://www.deagel.com/news/Excalibur-Ib-Completes-US-Armys-Initial-Operational-Test-and-Evaluation_n000012708.aspx |date=24 May 2014 }} – Deagel.com, 20 May 2014</ref> On 31 July 2014, Raytheon received a $52 million contract to begin full-rate production of the Excalibur Ib shell.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Excalibur-Ib-Enters-Full-Rate-Production_n000013034.aspx Excalibur Ib Enters Full Rate Production] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224936/http://www.deagel.com/news/Excalibur-Ib-Enters-Full-Rate-Production_n000013034.aspx |date=23 September 2015 }} – Deagel.com, 31 July 2014</ref>

In June 2014, Raytheon successfully test-fired its Excalibur S shell with a dual-mode GPS/SAL guidance system. The variant incorporates a laser spot tracker (LST) into the Excalibur Ib shell. The test was to validate the LST's ability to survive being fired from a howitzer and was initialized with GPS coordinates, then a laser designator guided the round to the target.<ref>[http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2581 Raytheon conducts first live fire test of Excalibur S] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804193245/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2581 |date=4 August 2014 }} – Raytheon news release, 15 June 2014</ref> In February 2020, Raytheon announced the Excalibur S had been successfully tested against a moving target using its laser seeker.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/02/05/raytheons-advanced-excalibur-hits-moving-targets-in-test/ Raytheon’s advanced Excalibur weapon hits moving targets in test]. ''Defense News''. 6 February 2020.</ref>

In December 2019, the [[Indian Army]] conducted firing trials of Excalibur guided shells in the [[Pokhran#Pokhran Test Range|Pokhran Field Firing Range]] from one of its [[M777 howitzer]]. India procured 600 units of the type in October the same year (500 with 20 m [[Circular error probable|CEP]] and 100 with 2 m CEP). India will use this ammunition from all [[155 mm caliber]] guns including M777, [[Haubits FH77]], [[Dhanush (howitzer)|Dhanush]] and [[K9 Thunder#India|K9 Vajra-T]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-09 |title=Indian Army fires lethal Excalibur artillery ammunition in Pokhran |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-excalibur-artillery-1626849-2019-12-09 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2024, [[Hanwha Aerospace]] conducted test fires of the M982A1 Excalibur Increment Ib at Yuma Proving Ground using Norwegian [[K9 Thunder|K9 VIDAR]] variant. The K9 used various fuze modes and achieved less than one meter CEP in Point Detonating mode and 5 meters above the target in Height of Burst mode from 50 km away.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-10 |title=K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer Achieves Milestone with Raytheon M982A1 Excalibur Artillery Projectile |url=https://militaryleak.com/2024/08/10/k9-self-propelled-howitzer-achieves-milestone-with-raytheon-m982a1-excalibur-artillery-projectile/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=militaryleak.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-07 |title=Hanwha: K9 howitzer successfully tested with Excalibur artillery projectile |url=https://defence-industry.eu/hanwha-k9-howitzer-successfully-tested-with-excalibur-artillery-projectile/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |language=en}}</ref>

===Excalibur N5===
In September 2015, Raytheon conducted a live fire guided test flight of the Excalibur N5, a company-funded initiative to reduce the 155&nbsp;mm Excalibur shell to 127&nbsp;mm (5") for use with naval guns mounted on destroyers and cruisers.<ref name="raytheon30sept15"/> The Excalibur Ib and N5 have 70% commonality, 99% identical software, and the same guidance and navigation unit (GNU). Its primary uses would be to allow warships to accurately fire shells against land targets in support of troops ashore and inexpensively destroy [[fast attack craft]] (FAC) at longer ranges.<ref name="breakingdefense12jan16"/>

Unguided {{cvt|127|mm}} shells from [[Mark 45]] naval guns have a range of {{cvt|13|nmi|mi km}}, but can deliver accurate fire only out to {{cvt|8|nmi|mi km}}, while small [[cruise missile]]-carrying attack boats can launch from {{cvt|15–20|nmi|mi km}} away. Like the land-based version, the Excalibur N5's guidance fins pop out after launch to glide the round out to longer ranges before turning nose-down and diving to the target, extending range to {{cvt|20–26|nmi|mi km}} depending on gun barrel length; although range would be greater with [[Rocket-assisted projectile|rocket assistance]], cost would also be greater. Alternative seekers will be added to hit maneuvering targets, such as laser guidance that requires a spotter to designate it, and [[millimeter wave]] radar that needs no outside guidance.<ref name="breakingdefense12jan16"/>

==Operators==

===Current operators===
* {{flag|Australia}}
* {{flag|Canada}} – [[Canadian Army]]
* {{flag|Jordan}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1019147.pdf |title=Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) - Excalibur Precision 155mm Projectiles (Excalibur) As of FY 2017 President's Budget|id=DD-A&T(Q&A)823-366|date=21 March 2016|publisher=US Department of Defense|archive-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830215925/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1019147.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|India}}
* {{flag|Netherlands}} – [[Royal Netherlands Army]]: First ordered in 2015, qualified to enter service in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netherlands buys Raytheon Excalibur Ib projectiles |url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/netherlands_buys_raytheon_excalibur_ib_projectiles_40909154.html |website=Army Recognition |accessdate=20 October 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204952/http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/netherlands_buys_raytheon_excalibur_ib_projectiles_40909154.html |archivedate=16 February 2018 |date=9 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fiorenza |first1=Nicholas |title=Netherlands qualifies Excalibur precision-guided round |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83923/netherlands-qualifies-excalibur-precision-guided-round |website=IHS Jane's 360 |accessdate=20 October 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020232059/https://www.janes.com/article/83923/netherlands-qualifies-excalibur-precision-guided-round |archivedate=20 October 2018 |location=London |date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}
* {{flag|Sweden}}
* {{flag|Ukraine}}: Excalibur munitions were donated to the armed forces of Ukraine for use in [[M777 howitzer]]s and [[AHS Krab]] following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Brewster |first=Murray |date=22 April 2022 |title=Canada sends four pieces of field artillery to Ukraine as country braces for renewed Russian attack |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukraine-m777-howitzer-russia-heavy-artillery-1.6427762 |access-date=27 April 2022 |website=CBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine's New Heavy Artillery Will Cause Russia a World of Pain |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |work=Popular Mechanics |date=6 May 2022 |url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a39841070/ukrainian-army-field-howitzers/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada is Sending Ukraine Excalibur Precision-Guided, Extended-Range Artillery Shells |last=McCardle |first=Guy |work=SOFREP |date=24 April 2022 |url= https://sofrep.com/news/canada-is-sending-ukraine-excalibur-precision-guided-extended-range-artillery-shells/ }}</ref>
* {{flagu|United States}} – [[U.S. Army]] and [[U.S. Marine Corps]]

===Future or pending operators===
* {{flag|Norway}} – pending [[United States Department of Defense]]'s [[foreign military sales]] request.{{cn|date=July 2024}}
* {{flag|Germany}}{{cn|date=July 2024}}
* {{flag|Denmark}}<ref>{{Cite web| title=Denmark – Excalibur Projectiles | url=https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/Press%20Release%20-%20Denmark%2024-61%20CN.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820200553/https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/Press%20Release%20-%20Denmark%2024-61%20CN.pdf | archive-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{lwc|Iron Sting}}
* {{lwc|M712 Copperhead}}
* {{lwc|M1156 precision guidance kit}}
* {{lwc|XM395 precision guided mortar munition}}
* {{lwc|Krasnopol (weapon system)|Krasnopol}}
* {{lwc|Bofors/Nexter Bonus}}
* {{lwc|Bofors STRIX}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* ''Jane's Ammunition Handbook 2003–2004''

==Further reading==
* [http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1171z2.html 2012 RAND report] goes into detail on the progress of the project

==External links==
{{commons category|M982 Excalibur}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070703202132/http://www.raytheon.com/products/excalibur/ Excalibur Precision Guided Extended Range Artillery Projectile — Raytheon]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120107091113/http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/bofors_ab_excalibur.html Excalibur — BAE Systems Bofors]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070701102336/http://www.defense-update.com/products/e/excalibur.htm Excalibur XM982 — Defense Update]
* [http://www.metacafe.com/watch/62248/guided_artillery_projectile/ Video of Excalibur test — Metacafe]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfESvQIpdz8 Excalibur round used for the first time in Afghanistan]

[[Category:155 mm artillery shells]]
[[Category:Cannon-launched guided projectiles]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Artillery of the United States]]