The U.S. government has recently approved potential defense sales to India , focusing on military rotorcraft capabilities.
Boeing will provide engineering, technical support, logistics, training, and other essential elements to maintain and operate the Apache AH-64E helicopters effectively. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasized that this sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives.
The DSCA cleared a potential sale to India for three types of sonobuoys, valued at $52.8 million. These sonobuoys, including AN/SSQ-53G, AN/SSQ-62F, and AN/SSQ-36 models, are designed to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, particularly for use with its fleet of Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The sale will be facilitated by either Sparton Corporation or Undersea Sensor Systems.
The DSCA noted that this sale would significantly improve India’s ability to conduct ASW operations from its MH-60R helicopters, addressing current and future threats in the region. The agency expressed confidence in India’s capacity to integrate this equipment into its armed forces seamlessly.
India commissioned its first MH-60R helicopters in March, marking a significant upgrade to its naval capabilities. These versatile aircraft are capable of performing various missions, including ASW, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment.
In 2020, India signed an agreement to acquire 24 MH-60Rs through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process for $1.7 billion. The Indian navy expects to receive all rotorcraft by 2025, further enhancing its maritime security capabilities.
