Potential missile deals with India approved by the USA 

Potential missile deals with India approved by the USA 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International relations

In News:

• U.S. State Department has approved two potential missile deals with India, for an estimated $92 million and $63 million.

Key takeaways:

• The first deal is for 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles and related equipment. 
• These missiles can be fitted onto Boeing’s P-8I (Poseidon-Eight India) maritime patrol aircraft.
• The second deal is for:
  • 16 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT);
  • Three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes; and
  • Two Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP).

Important value additions:

Harpoon missiles

• The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile air-launched missile. 

P-8I

• The P-8s (Poseidon-Eight) Indian variant is referred to as P-8I. 
• The aircraft plays a crucial role in being the eyes of the Indian Navy and carrying out critical maritime operations. 
• It gives India’s maritime warriors a significant edge in the strategically important Indian Ocean region. 
• The P-8I is responsible for:
  • coastal patrolling
  • search-and-rescue,
  •  anti-piracy,  
  • supporting operations of other arms of the military.