The U.S. government has recently authorized the potential sale of a support package for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopters. This agreement, valued at over $1.17 billion, aims to enhance the availability and capabilities of this U.S.-origin platform. The U.S. Department of State reported the development to Congress yesterday through an official statement.
Delving into the details of the potential purchase outlined by the Indian government, the package includes 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS-JTRS), external fuel tanks, and AN/AAS 44C(V) advanced forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems. Additionally, New Delhi seeks to acquire spare parts, communication equipment, IFF identifiers, and training-related materials for its engineers, among other components.
Regarding the prospective sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and enhance the security of a major defense partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions (…) The proposed sale will enhance the Government of India’s capability to deter current and future threats by modernizing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.”
The main contractor involved in the operation, should it be finalized, would be the U.S. company Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, based in Owego, New York. It was also clarified that India is expected to request an offset agreement as part of the purchase, with plans for up to 20 U.S. government representatives or 25 contractor representatives to be deployed to the country.
Finally, it is worth recalling that the Indian Navy has been actively pursuing significant acquisitions for its MH-60R helicopters in recent months. Notable examples include the potential sale of MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes from U.S. inventory, valued at approximately $175 million. Additionally, New Delhi has sought to procure new sonobuoys to boost its submarine-hunting capabilities, an agreement worth $52.8 million.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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