U.S. approves 2 missile deals with India
#GS3 #InternationalRelations
‘No known offset agreements yet’
- The U.S. State Department has approved two potential missile deals with India, for an estimated $92 million and $63 million.
- The first deal, is for 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles and related equipment. These missiles can be fitted onto Boeing’s P-8I (Poseidon-Eight India) maritime patrol aircraft, and are intended to enhance India’s capability in anti-surface warfare while defending its sea lanes.
- The second deal, for $63 million and principally contracted with Raytheon Integrated Defense System, is for 16 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT).
- Three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes (MK 54 LWT Kit procurement required); and related equipment. Also included are MK 54 spare parts, torpedo containers, two Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers and related equipment and support from the U.S. government and contractors.
- The torpedoes are expected to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capability and can be used with the P-8I.
Delay in delivery
- The Indian Navy operates eight P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft procured under a $2.2 billion deal in 2009.
- In 2016, the Navy exercised an optional clause for four more aircraft in a deal worth over $1 billion. The first of the four aircraft was to be delivered in May and the deal completed by January 2022.
- However, the initial delivery is expected to be delayed by a couple of months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Boeing was to deliver the first aircraft slightly early in May, but due to the current situation it is expected to be delivered as per the original schedule in July.
