The US State Department has approved a potential sale of MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes to India for an estimated cost of $175 million. This decision, announced by the Pentagon on Monday, is part of a larger package of potential military sales to Italy, India, and Romania totaling $965 million.
The proposed sale to India includes 53 MK 54 MOD 0 torpedoes, exercise weapons, air launch accessories, spare parts, and support services. These torpedoes are intended for the Indian Navy's fleet of MH-60R helicopters, which are designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) operations.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that this sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the US-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defense partner. India already operates a number of MK 54 torpedoes and has 24 MH-60R helicopters on order to equip its growing surface fleet.
This move signifies the continuing growth of the US-India defense partnership. The MK 54 torpedo is a key ASW weapon, providing the Indian Navy with a significant capability boost in the Indian Ocean region. The sale is likely to be seen as a response to the increasing presence of Chinese naval forces in the region.
In addition to the India sale, the US also approved potential sales of Sentinel radar systems to Romania for $110 million and an electronic attack mission system to Italy for $680 million. The principal contractors for these sales will be RTX Corp and BAE Systems, respectively.
