India to purchase Anti-Submarine Warfare sonobuoys from US.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 23, 2024, the US Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonobuoys and related equipment, with an estimated value of $52.8 million.
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Artist rendenring of an Anti-Submarine Warfare sonobuoy. (Picture source: Ultra)

India's request includes a variety of sonobuoys designed for ASW operations. Specifically, the acquisition covers AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys.

Additionally, the package features technical documentation, engineering and technical support from U.S. government and contractor personnel, and various logistics and program support services.

The proposed sale is expected to significantly enhance India's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly from its MH-60R helicopters. The principal contractors for this sale will likely be Sparton Corporation, based in De Leon Springs, Florida, and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, Indiana, or a combination of both.

US-India relations

One of the key aspects of the U.S.-India naval relationship is their enhanced operational cooperation. Both navies have been actively engaging in joint exercises and sharing maritime domain awareness (MDA) to better monitor and respond to regional threats.

For example, they have increased their collaboration in tracking submarine activities and are working on integrating surveillance systems like the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network to detect Chinese submarines more effectively. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as India's hesitancy to fully adopt U.S. tactical data links due to concerns over maintaining operational autonomy​.

Furthermore, the two countries have expanded their logistical cooperation. The signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 has facilitated mutual access to military facilities for refueling and resupply, further enabling sustained joint operations in the region. This agreement has been supplemented by additional logistical support agreements, such as master ship repair agreements that allow U.S. Navy vessels to be repaired at Indian shipyards.