In a significant strategic move, the United States has opened up its weaponry to India through a contract for sale of Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The first-ever sale of American missiles marks a significant milestone in Indo-US relations and presages more defence deals in the future.
The deal for 22 Harpoon anti-ship missiles was clinched through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel during bilateral discussions between defence ministry officials of both countries. These missiles would be fitted on the Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft, Jaguars, in order to beef up its capabilities against submarines, warships and key targets on land. “It is the first real signal that the US will provide us access to its arsenal as well as its intentions for long-term strategic relations with India,” said sources in the ministry of defence.
Confirming this strategic contract, Vivek Lall, country head (Defence, Space & Security), Boeing International Corp India, said “the US Navy and Boeing have extensive experience in integrating Harpoon missiles on domestic and international aircraft. Boeing looks forward to integrating the Harpoon Weapon System on IAF’s Jaguar aircraft. The opportunity to have a common anti-ship missile integrated on Jaguar and potentially the Superhornet and Poseidon (P-8I) would offer significant operational, logistics, and maintenance implications and benefits.”
Experts said the acquisition of these missiles would help India counter “encirclement” by China and its armed forces in the neighbourhood, particularly the Indian Ocean. China has made investments in and around India, building deepwater ports in Pakistan and Bangladesh, roads in Nepal and oil and gas pipelines in Burma. It has also turned the biggest supplier of military hardware for Pakistan, including fighter jets and guided missile frigates, the experts said.