U.S. government approves possible Harpoon and Torpedo sales to Indian P8Is

According to the declaration of Ministry of Defence of India, the U.S. government has approved the sale of air-launched Harpoon anti-ship missiles and torpedoes to India for a combined cost of $155 million.

The AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched anti-ship missiles and related equipment will cost $92 million while the MK 54 anti-submarine torpedoes and the associated kits will cost $ 63 million.

The US State Department has approved both the deals under the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certifications notifying Congress of this possible sale. The actual sale will be done after Congress approval.

“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems,” says the DSCA at the declaration.

“The Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces.”

The Harpoon missile system will be integrated into India’s P-8I aircrafts, enabling them to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defence of the critical sea lanes. This would add to the might of Indian fleet of P-8I aircraft which are well equipped for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of the broad area, maritime and littoral operations.