India to Get Mk 54 Torpedoes and Agm84l Harpoon Missiles

The United States of America have recently identified India as a partner in the defence, thereby strengthening the relationship between the two nations. This is not only a huge step for India towards creating a great strategic relationship with The United States of America but also in acquiring certain military assets, including the MK 54 torpedoes and AGM-84L Harpoon missiles, as well as the necessary equipment and personnel training to operate these weapons. The proposed sale will also support the national security and foreign policy of the United States by improving the defence system of a major defence partner.

The Foreign Military Sale

On April 13 2020, The U.S. Department of State approved the possible sale of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles and 16 MK 54 lightweight torpedoes and the necessary equipment for its service and operation on the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I Neptune advanced maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft at an approximate combined cost of USD 155 million.

The deal also includes one Harpoon Intermediate Level maintenance station purchase of spare and repair parts, containers, test and support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, training equipment, and Specialised Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAM).

The proposed sale will include the US Government and other related logistics and programme support elements such as engineering and assistance, contractor representatives’ technical assistance, and logistics support services.

The first deal’s principal contractor is Boeing, while Raytheon Integrated Defence System, based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is the principal contractor for the equipment in the second deal.

The P-8I Aircraft

The P-8 aircraft by Boeing are created for long-range anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare and intel, surveillance and exploration missions. The P-8I, the Indian version of these aircraft, assists the Indian Navy in carrying out critical maritime operations.

The aircraft lends the Indian Navy a significant advantage in the strategically significant Indian Ocean.

India, as of now, has eight aircraft and has booked to receive four more by 2022. In June 2019, the Ministry of Defence placed an order for ten more aircraft.

Harpoon Missiles

On August 2, 2021, the State Department finalised the possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and its related equipment for an estimated USD 82 million. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

According to Boeing, the Harpoon missile is the world’s most popular and effective anti-ship missile and is in service in the armed forces of over 30 countries. The anti-ship missile has an active radar guidance system and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory. The US has produced and designed several missile variants to fit air, ship and submarine-launched versions with constant upgrades.

The Harpoon missile can deliver lethal firepower against acquired targets, including land targets, coastal defence sites, surface-to-air missile sites, industrial or port facilities and exposed aircraft.

The AGM-84L Harpoon Block II is a sea-skimming anti-ship missile or land missile. It is functional in all ambient weather conditions and an over-the-horizon weapon. According to DSCA, the P-8I aircraft will incorporate the Harpoon missile system to run anti-surface warfare missions in defence of critical sea zones while improving and increasing operability between the United States and other allied forces according to DSCA (The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency).

MK 54 Torpedoes

In April 2022, the US Department of State approved the Foreign Military Sale to India at an estimated cost of $63 million for 16 MK 54 torpedoes.

Previously named the Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo (LHT), the MK 54 lightweight torpedo is highly explosive and weighs around 275 kilograms, with its warhead weighing around 44 kilograms. The US utilises these torpedoes for helicopters, surface ships, and fixed-wing aircraft, but, more importantly, they are their primary weapon against submarines.

Conclusion

Along with the increase in the annual military budget for manufacturing indigenous weapons, the procurement of Harpoon missiles and MK-54 Torpedoes is a major step in advancing India’s Defence system. The deal will lead to an enhanced strategic relationship between India and the United States of America. With this equipment, India can now deter threats from enemy nations and the neighbouring countries. As the DSCA, the US will benefit by supporting its defence partner’s security, a significant force for political peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.