Washington, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Pentagon has announced a federal notification regarding a proposed foreign military sale valued at $52.8 million to India for a new set of anti-submarine sonobuoys. This initiative is aimed at bolstering operational collaboration and enhancing the strategic partnership between both nations.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) detailed in its notification that India has expressed interest in purchasing sonobuoys manufactured in the US — devices deployed from aircraft to detect underwater activities. The comprehensive package, fully financed by India, encompasses manuals, support services, and technical guidance, along with assistance from both US government and contractor teams for the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

The notification highlighted that this proposed transfer “will align with the foreign policy and national security goals of the US by reinforcing the US-India strategic alliance and elevating the security of a key defence partner, which plays a vital role in fostering political stability, peace, and economic advancement in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”

According to the Pentagon, the sonobuoys will enhance India’s capabilities to monitor underwater threats and execute anti-submarine operations. “This proposed sale will strengthen India's ability to tackle both current and future threats by improving its capacity for anti-submarine warfare operations utilizing its MH-60R helicopters. India is well-equipped to integrate this technology into its military forces,” the notification noted.

The US has assessed that the transfer will not jeopardize regional stability. “The proposed sale of this equipment and associated support will not disrupt the existing military equilibrium in the region.”

The main contractors involved are Sparton Corporation, located in De Leon Springs, Florida, and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI) from Columbia City, Indiana, or a combination of both. The notice specifies that there will be no offset arrangements, and no additional US government or contractor personnel will be assigned to India. “This proposed sale will not adversely affect US defence readiness,” the Pentagon stated.

An annex detailing technology sensitivity describes sonobuoys as “air-launched, expendable, electro-mechanical sensors engineered to relay underwater sounds to remote processors. Sonobuoys serve as an efficient and cost-effective capability for airborne anti-submarine warfare.”

The notification concluded by affirming that New Delhi meets American standards for the protection of sensitive equipment. “It has been determined that India can provide a level of security for the sensitive technology being released that is comparable to that of the US Government. This sale is crucial for the advancement of US foreign policy and national security objectives as outlined in the Policy Justification.”

Over the past two decades, India and the United States have significantly enhanced their defence cooperation, particularly focusing on maritime security and undersea surveillance in light of China’s expanding naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The MH-60R helicopters intended for these sonobuoys are integral to India's modernization efforts.

Washington’s designation of India as a “Major Defence Partner” has facilitated quicker technology transfers and advanced joint initiatives. This latest sonobuoy package fits within that broader context, reinforcing shared interests in safeguarding vital sea routes and maintaining regional stability.