WASHINGTON, Dec 3: The Biden Administration has officially informed Congress about its decision to authorize the sale of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and associated items for an estimated cost of $1.17 billion.
This proposed sale aims to enhance India’s ability to counter current and emerging threats by bolstering its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, as stated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in its notification to Congress.
This clearance for significant defense equipment to India comes just weeks before the conclusion of the Biden administration’s four-year term, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025.
As part of the notification, India has expressed interest in acquiring 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), along with advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, an operator machine interface assistant, spare containers, study facilities for design, construction, support, the necessary support and test equipment, munitions, and integration and test support.
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems will serve as the principal contractor for this sale.
The execution of this sale will entail the temporary deployment of up to 20 U.S. government representatives or 25 contractor representatives to India for program technical support and management oversight, as mentioned in the announcement. (PTI)
