The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of 30 MIDS-JTRS and associated equipment and services in support of their MH-60R helicopters.
The estimated cost of this total programme is $1.17 billion, according to a news release put out by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin and Mission Systems, located in Owego, NY.
The Department of Defence said that the Indian government had requested to buy thirty Multifunction Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems(MIDS-JTRS).
Apart from this, several non MDE items will be included.
Some of these items are advanced data transfer systems; AN/AAS44C(V)forward looking infrared (FLIR) systems, spare containers, munitions, spare and repair parts, communications equipment, Joint Mission Planning System and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF).
Some of the other MDE items are publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and Performance Based Logistics (PBL).
The Department of Defence said that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the United States-India strategic relationship.
Moreover, it will also improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo Pacific and South Asia regions.
The Department said that the proposed sale will improve the Indian government’s capability to deter current and future threats by upgrading anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
It further said that India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.
Implementation of this sale will require travel of up to 20 U.S. Government or up to 25 contractor representatives to the Government of India, on a temporary basis for programme technical support.
“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the Department clarified.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale.
“The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.”
