India to buy US torpedoes for maritime patrol

NEW DELHI: India is going to buy lightweight torpedoes from the US to arm the dozen P-8 I long-range maritime patrol aircraft it’s acquiring from Boeing for $3.1 billion to plug existing surveillance gaps in the Indian Ocean.

The American Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Monday notified the US Congress of the impending sale of 32 MK-54 all-up-round lightweight torpedoes, along with associated equipment, spares and logistical support, to India for around $86 million.

The torpedoes, said DSCA, will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defence of critical sea lines of communication''. Armed with torpedoes, depth bombs and Harpoon missiles, apart from being packed with long-range radars and sensors, the P-8 Is will boost the Indian Navy’s anti-warship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

As first reported by TOI, India is finalising the contract for four new P-8 Is, which will add to the eight such planes already contracted from Boeing under the $2.1-billion deal inked in January 2009. The first P-8 I is slated for induction by early-2013.