US Greenlights $52 Million Sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys to India
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has authorized a potential foreign military sale of anti-submarine warfare Sonobuoys and related equipment to India, with an estimated cost of $52.8 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has provided the necessary certification and notified Congress of this potential sale, according to a release from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
For context, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency operates within the United States Department of Defense.
“The Government of India has requested the purchase of AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, technical publications, and data documentation, as well as US Government and contractor engineering and technical support. The estimated total cost for these items and associated logistics and program services is $52.8 million,” the agency stated.
This proposed sale aims to support US foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening the strategic relationship between the United States and India. It will enhance the security of a key defense partner, contributing to political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
The proposed sale will enhance India’s ability to address current and future threats by improving its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with its MH-60R helicopters. The equipment will be seamlessly integrated into the Indian armed forces.
Additionally, the agency noted that this sale will not affect the fundamental military balance in the region.
The principal contractors for this sale will be Sparton Corporation, based in De Leon Springs, FL, or Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), based in Columbia City, IN, or a combination of both. No offset agreements are currently proposed for this potential sale.
