US Approves $52.8M Sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys to India

The United States has decided to sell High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys worth USD 52.8 million to India. This sale will bolster India's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly from its MH-60R helicopters. The deal aims to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve regional security.

The United States has approved a $52.8 million sale of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys to India, a move designed to enhance New Delhi's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

These sonobuoys, air-launched and expendable, are electro-mechanical sensors capable of relaying underwater sounds to remote processors, making them effective and affordable for ASW missions by airborne warfighters.

According to a notification by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the proposed sale will significantly improve India's ability to counter current and future threats from MH-60R helicopters. The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress 30 days to review the sale.

India had requested a purchase of various models, including AN/SSQ-53O, AN/SSQ-62F, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, with the total deal estimated at $52.8 million. Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale on August 23, citing the importance of the US-India strategic relationship, a critical force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies.)