The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India, AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles, MK 54 lightweight torpedoes (LWT) and related equipment. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
The Harpoon missile system will be Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces. The principal contractor of Harpoon missile will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri. The MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions. India intends to utilize MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes on its Boeing P-8I aircraft. The principal contractor of MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will be Raytheon Integrated Defense System, Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The Government of India has requested to buy ten (10) AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles. Also included are containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, Specialized Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAM), U.S. Government contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated program cost is $92 million.
The Government of India has requested to buy sixteen (16) MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT); and three (3) MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes (MK 54 LWT Kit procurement required). Also included are MK 54 spare parts; torpedo containers; two (2) Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks built into MK 54 LWT Kits (above); air launch accessories for fixed wing; spare parts; training, publications; support and test equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated program cost is $63 million.
The Boeing P-8s Indian variant is referred to as P-8I. The aircraft plays a crucial role in being the eyes of the Indian Navy and carrying out critical maritime operations. The aircraft has surpassed 25,000 flight-hours and gives India’s maritime warriors a significant edge in the strategically important Indian Ocean region. Of a total of 12 ordered aircrafts, India has received eight, making the Indian Navy’s P-8 fleet the second largest in the world. A ~60,000 sq.ft. Training Support & Data Handling (TSDH) Centre is being setup at INS Rajali, with a secondary center at INS Kochi as part of an agreement between India and Boeing.
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft) is a military aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys, as well as operate in conjunction with other assets, including the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The P-8 is operated United States Navy, Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Norwegian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Republic of Korea Navy.
