India, US press ahead with anti-submarine equipment sale
India and the United States agreed to press forward with the acquisition of anti-submarine equipment and the co-production of crucial systems such as fighter jet engines and unmanned platforms.
Coinciding with the visit, the US Secretary of State approved a Foreign Military Sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys and Related Equipment for an estimated $52.8 million. The High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys will be launched by Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters stationed aboard frontline warships.
In his meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Singh discussed bilateral defense initiatives, including efforts to increase supply chain security and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Keeping the focus firmly on technology sharing, the two sides also agreed to advance priority co-production projects, including jet engines, unmanned platforms, munitions, and ground mobility systems, under the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation.
As reported, India is likely to sign an agreement to produce the GE 414 fighter jets engines for the Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft this year. Separately, the defence ministry has also given clearances for the acquisition of MQ 9B drones from the US for an estimated $ 3.9 billion.
The two countries are also working to connect their innovation eco systems to jointly develop solutions for emerging military needs. As part of the initiative, the third summit of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) will be held
