In a significant move to bolster India’s naval capabilities, the United States has approved a potential $52.8 million foreign military sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys and related equipment to India. The announcement came as Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in comprehensive talks at the Pentagon, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional security concerns.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the necessary certification to Congress on Friday, detailing India’s request for advanced sonobuoys, technical documentation, and engineering support. These upgrades are aimed at enhancing India’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations using its U.S.-origin MH-60R helicopters.
India has been progressively modernizing its naval helicopter fleet, having ordered 24 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters in 2020, with full delivery expected by 2025. The first squadron of these helicopters was raised in March, marking a key step in boosting India’s maritime defense.
The proposed sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. It underscores the importance of India as a major defense partner in maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
The approval coincides with India and the U.S. signing two critical agreements to enhance defense cooperation, ensuring mutual supply chain security and improving interoperability between their armed forces.
