US Approves $52.8 Million Military Sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare Equipment to India

GG News Bureau
Washington, 24th August. The United States has approved a potential military sale to India, valued at USD 52.8 million, which includes anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys and related equipment. This decision, authorized by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, marks a significant boost in defense ties between the two nations. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the proposed sale, which aims to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and strengthen the strategic relationship between the US and India.

The Government of India has asked to purchase AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, along with technical publications, data documentation, US Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related logistics and program services. The DSCA stated that the estimated total cost of these procurements is USD 52.8 million.

This proposed sale aligns with the US’ foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic relationship between the United States and India. It is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare operations, particularly from its MH-60R helicopters, thereby bolstering the security of a key defense partner in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

The DSCA emphasized that the proposed sale would not disrupt the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors for this sale are expected to be Sparton Corporation, based in De Leon Springs, Florida, and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, Indiana, or a combination of both companies. The agency also noted that there are no known offset agreements associated with this potential sale.

This approval marks another step in the growing defense cooperation between the United States and India, reflecting the deepening strategic ties between the two nations.