US Approves $52.8 Million Sale of Anti-Submarine Sonobuoys to India
Pentagon says the sale will boost India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and strengthen the US–India strategic partnership.
US, Dec 05 : The Pentagon has issued a federal notification for a proposed foreign military sale worth $52.8 million to India for a fresh batch of anti-submarine sonobuoys, a move aimed at deepening operational cooperation and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
In its notification, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that India has requested to purchase US made sonobuoys air-launched devices used to detect underwater activity—along with manuals, technical assistance, and support services. The package, fully funded by India, also includes operational and sustainment support from US government and contractor teams.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security
According to the DSCA, the proposed transfer will “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by strengthening the US-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defence partner.” The sale is expected to enhance political stability, peace, and economic progress across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
The Pentagon underscored that the sonobuoys will significantly expand India’s ability to detect underwater threats and conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. The systems are intended for India’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, a key component of the Indian Navy’s modernisation efforts.
No Impact on Regional Military Balance
The US government assessed that the sale does not pose any risk to regional stability. “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the notification stated. It also confirmed that India “will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The principal contractors involved will be Sparton Corporation (De Leon Springs, Florida) and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI) in Indiana, or both. The deal includes no offset arrangements and will not require US personnel to be stationed in India. The Pentagon further clarified that the sale will not adversely impact US defence readiness.
Advanced ASW Capability for Indian Navy
An annex within the notification described the sonobuoys as “air-launched, expendable electro-mechanical sensors designed to relay underwater sounds to remote processors,” calling them an affordable and effective ASW tool.
The US also affirmed that India meets American standards for safeguarding sensitive defence technology. “A determination has been made that India can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released,” the DSCA noted.
A Growing Defence Partnership
Over the past two decades, India and the US have rapidly expanded defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security and undersea surveillance amid China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific. India’s growing fleet of MH-60R helicopters, supported by such sonobuoy systems, forms a critical part of its undersea warfare strategy.
Washington’s designation of India as a Major Defence Partner has enabled faster technology transfers and deeper collaboration. The latest sonobuoy sale adds momentum to that trajectory, reinforcing shared interests in securing sea lanes and maintaining regional stability.
