US Approves Sale of Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Equipment to India Worth 52.8 Million

Washington DC: The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has given the green light for a potential foreign military sale of advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment to India, valued at an estimated $52.8 million. 

The U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification to Congress, formally notifying lawmakers of the proposed sale.

The DSCA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defence responsible for managing and overseeing foreign military sales, outlined the specifics of India’s request. According to the agency, India has requested to purchase various types of sonobuoys, which are crucial for anti-submarine warfare operations. 

The equipment list includes AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys. Additionally, the sale package consists technical publications, data documentation, U.S. government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other logistical services related to the program.

The total estimated cost for this purchase is $52.8 million. The DSCA emphasized that this proposed sale would serve to bolster U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and India. The sale is expected to enhance the security of India, a key defence partner, and contribute to the political stability, peace, and economic progress of the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

The sale is particularly aimed at improving India’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations, especially from its MH-60R helicopters. The DSCA noted that India is well-positioned to integrate this new equipment into its armed forces without difficulty.

The agency also assured that the sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region. The primary contractors for this deal are Sparton Corporation, based in De Leon Springs, Florida, and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, Indiana. The DSCA confirmed that there are no offset agreements associated with this potential sale.

(Inputs from ANI)