The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in Washington that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to India. The sale includes Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys and related equipment at an estimated cost of $52.8 million. This announcement was made during Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Washington, and the DSCA officially notified Congress of this potential sale on August 23.
After a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, announced plans to strengthen defence ties. The discussion centred on enhancing defence cooperation and industrial partnership. Singh also met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington DC and discussed defence industrial collaboration and potential areas for industry partnership.
The acquired equipment will bolster India’s capability to counter threats by improving its ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations with its US-origin MH-60R helicopters.
“The Government of India has requested to buy AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; technical and publications and data documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program services and support. The estimated total cost is $52.8 million,” DSCA said.
In March, the Indian Navy operationalised its first squadron of MH-60R helicopters, with six choppers delivered by then. In 2020, India ordered 24 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters, valued at around Rs 17,500 crore, from the US to modernize its ageing naval helicopter fleet. All helicopters will be delivered by 2025.
“The proposed sale aims to support the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States. It will help strengthen the strategic relationship between the United States and India and enhance India’s security as a major defence partner. India plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” stated the DSCA.
The DSCA also mentioned that “The proposed sale will enhance India’s capability to counter current and future threats by improving its capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters. India is expected to easily integrate this equipment into its armed forces.”
As per the statement, the principal contractor(s) will be Sparton Corporation, located in De Leon Springs, FL, or Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, IN, or a combination of both. No offset agreements are proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to India.
India and the US significantly improved their defence relations by adopting a defence-industrial cooperation roadmap last year. This roadmap aims to expedite technology cooperation and co-production in critical areas such as air combat and land mobility systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, munitions, and the undersea domain. Singh and Austin met on Friday after India and the US signed two key agreements to strengthen defence cooperation. The Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) ensures the mutual supply of defence goods and services to address unforeseen supply chain disruptions. On the other hand, the memorandum of agreement focuses on the assignment of liaison officers. These officers are responsible for enhancing cooperation, understanding, interoperability, and information sharing on matters of mutual interest.
Ravi Shankar
