The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Friday, granted approval for the sale of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonobuoys and related equipment to India, as part of the attempts by the US to strengthen its defence ties with New Delhi.
The approval for foreign military sale (FMS) to India happens at a time when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in the US for a four-day visit to boost the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the US and India.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)—a key agency within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) which plays a major role in supporting the country's national security and foreign policy objectives—gave the necessary notification for the deal valued at nearly $52.8 million.
According to media reports, the list of equipment to be sold to India includes AN/SSQ-53G high-altitude anti-submarine warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, and AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, besides data documentation, and comprehensive support services.
The purchase will enable India to improve its anti-submarine warfare abilities, especially the operational capabilities of the newly commissioned multi-role MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, which were developed for the US Navy.
The sonobuoys—small, expendable sonar device deployed from aircraft or ships, mainly used for anti-submarine warfare—will improve Indian Navy's ability to track submarines, and hence improve the the maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, which is in line with the national security objectives of both New Delhi and Washington.
The HAASW (High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare) sonobuoys are used to detect submarines from high altitudes. They can be deployed from aircraft at altitudes up to 30,000 feet.
