US Approves $52.8 Million Sale of Anti-Submarine Sonobuoys to India
- In Reports
- 06:20 PM, Aug 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has approved a potential sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys and related equipment to India, valued at approximately $52.8 million. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized this proposed sale, while the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a branch of the Department of Defence, provided the necessary certification to notify Congress.
According to a release from the DSCA, "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; US Government and contractor engineering and technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program services and support. The estimated total cost is USD 52.8 million."
The DSCA emphasized that this proposed sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership with India. This move aims to enhance the security of a major defence partner that plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability, peace, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions. The proposed equipment will improve India's capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters, thereby enabling it to meet current and future threats more effectively.
The DSCA also noted that the proposed sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." India is expected to absorb the new equipment into its armed forces without difficulty.
The primary contractors for this sale could include Sparton Corporation, located in De Leon Springs, Florida, and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), based in Columbia City, Indiana. No offset agreements have been proposed in connection with this potential sale.
This sale marks a significant step in the growing defence collaboration between the United States and India, underscoring the strategic importance of their partnership in the region.
Image source: TOI
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