US approves possible sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System to India
By IAR Desk
The U.S. Department of State approved a possible sale to India of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) for $1.9 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
In a release on February 10th, the Agency said that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) for an estimated cost of $1.867 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 7, 2020.
The Government of India had made a request to buy an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS). The total estimated cost is $1.867 billion.
“India intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack. This will contribute to India’s military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the U.S., and other allies. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces,” the Agency said.
The proposed sale comes amidst the massive military modernisation by China which is also flexing it’s military muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.
The Agency further stated that “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 proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
There are no known offset agreements proposed in conjunction with this proposed sale; any offset agreement, however, will be defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and the prime contractor(s).
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the Agency concluded.
US President Donald Trump is due to visit India on 24-25 February, together with First Lady Melania Trump.
