Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence and Security
In news
The U.S. State Department approved the proposed sale of six P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India, a deal estimated to cost $2.42 billion.
Key takeaways
In November 2019, the Defence Acquisition Council, approved the procurement of the long-range maritime surveillance aircraft manufactured by Boeing.
The possible sale comes through the Foreign Military Sale route and requires that the U.S. Congress be notified.
With India having signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) foundational agreement with the U.S., the six aircraft will come fitted with encrypted systems.
The P-8I is based on the Boeing 737 commercial aircraft and India was its first international customer.
