The proposed deal with the US is said to improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems.
Washington: The Congress was notified by the Trump Administration on Monday of determination by US to sell India, Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles and lightweight torpedoes worth $ 155 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency in two separate notifications said to the Congress that the estimated cost of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles is $ 92 million, while the estimated cost of 16 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes and three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes are $ 63 million.
Following a request made by the Indian Government for this two military hardware, a determination in this regard was recently made by the US State Department, the Pentagon said.
The Harpoon missile system will be combined into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare purposes in defence of critical sea lanes while improving interoperability with the United States and other allied forces, according to the Pentagon.
“India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defence. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the Pentagon said.
The notification said that Boeing will manufacture the Harpoon missiles and Raytheon will supply the torpedoes.
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The proposed deal with the US is said to improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems. The notification said the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Pentagon in both the notifications said that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
This intended sale will strengthen the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to grow the US-Indian strategic relationship and promote the security of a significant defensive ally, which continues to be an essential force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region, according to the Pentagon.
(Inputs from PTI)
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