Washington: In a move aimed at strengthening bilateral strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific region and improving the security of a key defensive partner, the United States approved the sale of Harpoon Joint Common Test Sets (JCTS) and related equipment to India Is. 82 million USD cost.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) provided the necessary certification earlier on Monday informing the US Congress of this potential sale, an official statement said.
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“The Government of India has requested the purchase of a Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS). It also includes a Harpoon Intermediate Level Maintenance Station; Spare and Repair Parts, Support and Test Equipment; Publications and Technical Documentation; Personnel Training; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is USD 82 million,” PTI quoted an official statement as saying.
The DSCA release said, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a key defensive partner, who is a political asset to the United States.” remains a vital force for stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
The US recognized India as a “major defense partner” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country in June 2016.
It commits the United States to India by sharing technology with its closest allies and partners, and by facilitating industry cooperation for defense co-production and co-development.
According to the US State Department, the proposed foreign military sale will improve India’s capability to deal with current and future threats, by providing it with flexible and efficient Harpoon missile maintenance capabilities, to ensure maximum force readiness.
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The Pentagon said the proposed sale and support of the equipment would not alter the basic military balance in the region, adding that India would have no difficulty in inducting the equipment into its armed forces.
Harpoon missile is the world’s most successful anti-ship missile.
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