US approves સાથે 290 million Harpoon missile deal with India

(PTI) Washington, Dt

In a bid to bolster bilateral defense ties with India to stem China's growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, the US has approved a સાથે 290 million deal with India for the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and its associated equipment. The decision will strengthen India-US bilateral strategic ties and enhance the security of a major defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon's Defense Security Co-operation Agency said.

According to an official statement, the Pentagon's Defense Security Corporation Agency (DSCA) on Monday notified the US Congress of the required certification. Harpoon is an anti-ship missile. The Government of India requested the US to purchase a Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS).

The United States has approved a સાથે 25 million deal with India, including a Harpoon Intermediate Level Maintenance Station, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, testing equipment, publishing and technical documentation, personnel training, US government and contractors, Engineering and logistics support services, as well as other things related to logistics and program support.

The DSCA said the proposed sale would improve Indian-American strategic relations and boost US foreign policy and national security by helping to enhance the security of a major defense partner. India is an important force for political stability, peace and economic development in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June 2016, the US recognized India as a "major defense partner".

The US State Department said the proposed foreign military sale would enhance India's ability to cope with current and future threats. The sale will enhance India's flexibility and expertise in the maintenance of Harpoon missiles. The Pentagon said India would have no difficulty in incorporating the system into its military and that the proposed sale and collaboration of the system would not change the basic military balance in the region.

The Pentagon said The Boeing Company, based in St. Louis, MO, would be its main contractor. According to Boeing, Harpoon was first deployed in the 19th century. It is an all-weather anti-ship missile system. The Harpoon missile is the world's most successful anti-ship missile and has been deployed in the armies of more than 50 countries.