The United States government has approved the sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes to India. These torpedoes, valued at $175 million, are intended for use with the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters that the Indian Navy is currently bringing into service.
The Biden administration notified the US Congress on Monday about this sale. The notification mentioned that the sale aligns with Washington's foreign policy and national security goals. It is aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the US and India, a key partner in ensuring political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
According to the notification, "The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing the size of its anti-submarine weapons stockpile for its MH-60R helicopters."
The Indian Navy commissioned its first squadron of six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in March at INS Garuda in Kochi. These helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, and precision-kill rockets. India plans to have all 24 Seahawks, which include multi-mode radars and night-vision devices, by next year. This is part of a $2.13 billion contract signed with the US in February 2020.
Navy officials have pointed out that the Seahawks, which can operate from aircraft carriers and other frontline warships, represent a significant upgrade in India's ability to detect and neutralize enemy submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Biden administration notified the US Congress on Monday about this sale. The notification mentioned that the sale aligns with Washington's foreign policy and national security goals. It is aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the US and India, a key partner in ensuring political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
According to the notification, "The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing the size of its anti-submarine weapons stockpile for its MH-60R helicopters."
The Indian Navy commissioned its first squadron of six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in March at INS Garuda in Kochi. These helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, and precision-kill rockets. India plans to have all 24 Seahawks, which include multi-mode radars and night-vision devices, by next year. This is part of a $2.13 billion contract signed with the US in February 2020.
Navy officials have pointed out that the Seahawks, which can operate from aircraft carriers and other frontline warships, represent a significant upgrade in India's ability to detect and neutralize enemy submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.
