US Approves Sale Of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System To India
February 12, 2020
The Trump Administration has notified the US Congress of its determination to sell India the IADWS.
Courtesy: David Monniaux via Wikimedia Commons
WASHINGTON DC (United States): The US has approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System to India for an estimated cost of USD 1.867 billion (approx Rs. 13,000 crores) to modernise its armed forces and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack.
The Trump Administration has notified to the US Congress of its determination to sell India the Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS), the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said Monday.
The deal could be sealed during President Trump’s visit to India. US President Donald Trump will visit India on February 24-25, 2020.
India wants to purchase Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) from the US to modernize its defence forces.
The new technology to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing air defense system to avoid the threat of airstrikes.
The IADWS package that has been approved includes a range of sensors, weapons systems, and support equipment. Included in the potential sale are AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems, AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles and associated guidance and control equipment, and Stinger FIM-92L missiles. The sale also includes M4A1 rifles, M855 5.56mm cartridges, and a range of other associated equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region,” the DSCA release noted.
“India intends to use these defence articles and services to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack,” the U.S. statement continued. “This will contribute to India’s military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the U.S., and other allies. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.”
In addition to the deal, the Indian government is looking for cabinet approval for the purchase of Sea Hawk helicopter.
It is expected that PM Modi’s Cabinet Committee on Security will approve the purchase of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Indian Navy in two weeks.
Helicopters will be deployed on the ships of Indian Navy. The Indian government has been negotiating the deal with Lockheed Martin for a long time.
It may be noted that the US government had previously expressed its displeasure when India signed an agreement with Russia to buy five S-400 air defence systems for five billion dollars (about 35000 crore rupees).
India’s indigenous Air Defence System:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing several indigenous air defence systems like Akash Mk1 and Akash Mk1S. Akash Mk1 has already become operational while DRDO is researching the other one.
DRDO is also working on another indigenously developed low-altitude interceptor Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). This missile is in trials. Indian Army is also using the Israeli surface-to-air Python Debry (SPYDer) system. This Israeli system is useful for medium-range threats at low altitudes.
Courtesy: Opera News