State Department approves $1.17 billion sale of MH-60R helicopter equipment to India

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of equipment for the MH-60R multirole helicopters to India for the amount of $1.17 billion. The corresponding statement was published on December 2 on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

"The State Department has decided to approve a possible foreign military sale to the Government of India of equipment for the MH-60R multi-role helicopter and related equipment worth approximately $1.17 billion," the statement clarified.

The agency also noted that as part of the deal, the Indian government requested from the United States 30 tactical radio systems, advanced data transmission systems, external fuel tanks, AN/AAS 44C(V) forward looking infrared-guided AN/AAS 44C(V) systems, ammunition, logistics services and other assistance.

In addition, according to the agency's report, the proposed sale of the above equipment and support "will not change the basic military balance in the region," but will improve the Indian government's ability to deter current and future threats by modernizing anti-submarine assets.

Earlier, on October 7, it became known that the U.S. State Department approved the sale of Mark 54 MOD 0 torpedoes and related equipment to India for approximately $175 million. It was also specified that the Indian government requested to purchase 53 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds.