The U.S. Department of State has authorized the potential foreign military sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys and related equipment to India.
The proposed FMS, valued at $52.8 million, includes the procurement of AN/SSQ-53G, AN/SSQ-62F and AN/SSQ-36 high-altitude anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys, U.S. government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related logistics and program services and support.
Sparton and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. are the likely contractors for the potential sale.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed FMS will improve India’s capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters, enhancing its capability to meet current and future threats. In 2020, India purchased 24 MH-60Rs from the United States for $2.2 billion, with four aircraft commissioned in March, The Defense Post reported.
The newly approved deal is expected to strengthen the strategic relationship between the United States and India and contribute to the political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.