Harpoon missiles worth USD 170 million to be sold to India

Washington, Sept 10 (PTI) Coinciding with the visit of
Defence Minister A K Antony to the U.S., the Pentagon has
announced the sale of Harpoon missiles to India along with
associated equipment and services for a total value of about
USD 170 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (D.S.C.A.)
notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India
of Harpoon Block II missiles.

The D.S.C.A. has said that India has requested a possible
sale of 20 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles; 4 ATM-84L
Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles; containers; training
devices; spare and repair parts.

India has also asked for supply/technical support;
support equipment; personnel training and training equipment;
technical data and publications; U.S. Government and
contractor engineering and logistics support services; and
other related elements of logistics support, the D.S.C.A. has
said.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by helping to
improve the security of an important partner and to strengthen
the US-India strategic relationship, which continues to be an
important force for political stability, peace and economic
progress in South Asia," the Pentagon said.

"India intends to use the Harpoon missiles to modernise
its Air Force Anti-Surface Warfare mission capabilities and
improve its naval operational flexibility.

"The missiles will assist the Indian Navy to develop and
enhance standardisation and operational ability with the
United States. India will have no difficulty absorbing these
missiles into its armed forces," the Pentagon added.

The Department of Defence has said that the proposed sale
of this equipment and support will not affect the basic
military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company of St
Louis, Missouri and there are no known offset agreements
proposed in connection with this potential sale.

"Implementation of this proposed sale will not require
the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to India permanently.

"There may be U.S. Government or contractor personnel in
the country on a temporary basis in conjunction with program
technical and management oversight and support requirements,"
the Pentagon has said.

There will not be any adverse impact on U.S. defence
readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the Pentagon
added. PTI SK