The United States has approved a deal to sell High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys worth $52.8 million to India. This move will boost India’s ability to detect and fight submarines, strengthening defence ties between the two countries. The Pentagon has informed the US Congress of the sale, which still needs final approval.

According to a notification from the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, "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 $52.8 million."

The DSCA added that this sale would support the United States foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic relationship with India. It noted that India is a key defence partner in maintaining political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

Sonobuoys are air-launched, expendable, electro-mechanical sensors designed to detect underwater sounds and transmit them to remote processors. They play a critical role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), aiding in the detection, classification, and targeting of enemy ships and submarines. These sonobuoys are essential for precision attacks, particularly when used with air-launched torpedoes. They can be deployed from aircraft, ships, or submarines and are typically active for about 24 hours.

The Pentagon emphasised that the sonobuoys will enhance India’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations using its MH-60R helicopters. The equipment is expected to significantly improve India’s naval security and help counter current and future threats, particularly in the strategic Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where the presence of Chinese submarines has increased in recent years.

India has consistently upgraded its ASW capabilities, acquiring advanced weapons, sensors, and detection systems. The use of these sonobuoys will further strengthen its ability to detect hostile submarines and safeguard carrier strike groups.

Under the Arms Export Control Act, Congress has 30 days to review the sale. The DSCA stated that "the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

Image source: India TV