The US State Department on Monday approved the sale of two high profile defence deals involving the sale of missile systems and torpedoes to India.
The first deal is worth USD 92 million and relates AGM 84 L Harpoon Block air launched missile that can be fitted onto the Boeing’s P-8I (Poseidon Eight India) maritime patrol aircraft which is expected to add heft to India’s maritime surveillance abilities. Boeing is the contractor for this deal. Ten of these missiles will be given to India.
The second deal is for USD 63 million and involves 16 MK 54 All Round Lightweight torpedoes, the same exercise torpedoes and spare parts.
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This is expected to enhance India’s anti- submarine warfare capabilities.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has issued a certificate to the US congress of possible foreign sale and the US Congress has 30 days to raise any possible objections to the deal under the US Arms Export Control Act.
In recent times, the defence cooperation between India and the US has increased and was central to the recently concluded visit of the US President Donald Trump to India in February.