On Monday, the US President Donald Trump’s administration has notified the Congress of its intention to sell Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles and lightweight torpedoes worth USD 155 million to India.
Reported Cost of the Missiles
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has revealed that the sale of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles is estimated to cost USD 92 million, while 16 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes and three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes are estimated to cost USD 63 million.
The sale was agreed after the Indian Government requested for this two military hardware.
Purpose of the Missiles
The Pentagon, in an official statement, said:
“India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.“
The addition of the equipment will provide strength to India’s defense in multiple aspects. Another statement read:
“India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. India intends to utilize MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes on its P-8I aircraft. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.”
While the Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft, the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions.
The sale is in line with the foreign policy of the US
The sale of the equipment will proposedly stay in line with US’s foreign policy in strengthening the India-US partnership. The sale will improve the security of a defensive partner, which will be a crucial force for peace and economic progress in South Asia region.
Source: Times of India
