Potential missile deals with India approved by the USA 

  • IASbaba
  • April 17, 2020
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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. 

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