US Approves $52.8 Million Sale of Anti-Submarine Equipment to India
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has approved a possible foreign military sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys and related equipment to India at an estimated cost of USD 52.8 million. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification, notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of India has requested to buy AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, technical and publications and data documentation, US Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of logistics and program services and support.
This proposed sale will support US’ foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to strengthen the United States-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defence partner that 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 also improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Sparton Corporation, located in De Leon Springs, FL, or Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, IN, or a combination of both. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Doubts Revealed
US Secretary of State -: The US Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in the United States government who deals with foreign affairs. Right now, this person is Antony Blinken.
Anti-submarine warfare -: Anti-submarine warfare is a type of military activity aimed at finding and destroying submarines. Submarines are underwater boats that can be used in wars.
Sonobuoys -: Sonobuoys are special devices that float on water and send out signals to detect submarines underwater. They help in finding and tracking submarines.
$52.8 million -: $52.8 million is a lot of money. It is the amount the US is charging India for the anti-submarine equipment.
MH-60R helicopters -: MH-60R helicopters are special military helicopters used by the Indian Navy. They can fly and also help in finding submarines underwater.
Sparton Corporation -: Sparton Corporation is a company in the US that makes special equipment, like sonobuoys, for the military.
Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. -: Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. is another company in the US that makes underwater sensors to detect submarines.
Strategic relations -: Strategic relations are important partnerships between countries to help each other in areas like defense and security.
Military balance -: Military balance means the level of military power between different countries. This sale will not change the power levels in the region.
