New Delhi: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved the possible sale of 53 MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes and related equipment worth $175 million through the Foreign Military Sales route to the Indian Navy.
It is now awaiting final approval by the US Congress for the delivery of the lightweight torpedoes.
The proposed sale will add to India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities by bolstering the lightweight torpedo stockpile for its MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters.
In March, a squadron comprising six MH 60R multi-mission helicopters was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Kochi. The American helicopters will be replacing the Navy’s ageing Sea King fleet.
Confirming the Indian government’s request to buy 53 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds, the DSCA said, in a press statement Monday, that the sale will also include Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP), air launch accessories, classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts, torpedo containers, torpedo support equipment including test equipment and tools; torpedo support services, classified and unclassified books and other publications.
Furthermore, there will also be other technical assistance for India including technical support, technical programme management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, contract management, and initial follow-on-technical support (FOTS); in-country torpedo training; related equipment and services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Through the deal, Washington looks to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship which has been on an upswing in recent times. In the press statement, the DSCA stated that the sale is aimed at “improving the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions”.
A majority of the lightweight torpedo’s hardware will be purchased directly from the U.S. Navy stock. There is no known offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale, according to the DSCA press statement.
After the sale is given its final approval, the US will assign a temporary assignment of an estimated 12 U.S. government and one contractor representative to India per year for training and technical assistance.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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