US approves sale of 24 helicopters to India

US approves sale of 24 helicopters to India

Experts claim this development may aggravate arms race in region

By Ahmad Adil

CHANDIGARH, India (AA) - The U.S. has approved the sale of 24 helicopters to India in a push to boost the navy's anti-surface and submarine warfare, local media reported Wednesday.

“Designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea, the Lockheed Martin-built helicopters, would replace India's aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters,” news agency Press Trust of India said.

The report added that the Trump Administration on Tuesday notified it has approved sale of the MH-60R multi-mission helicopters at an estimated cost of $2.6 billion.

“The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by helping to strengthen the US-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 State Department said in a statement.

Indian authorities have not yet commented on the development.

Security experts say the deal will enhance capabilities of the Indian navy and at the same time aggravate an arms race in the region.

Sameer Patil, fellow at the National Security Studies, told Anadolu Agency: “The acquisition of these helicopters is a significant boost for Indian navy’s anti submarine warfare capabilities, particularly as it seeks to address the growing presence of Chinese navy submarines in the Indian Ocean.

"Even though this agreement has been in works it demonstrates that India finds it much easier, to negotiate a government to government agreement rather than a commercial negotiation with a foreign defense manufacturer.”

Islamabad-based defense analyst retired Lt. Gen. Talat Masood viewed the development as alarming for both China and Pakistan, two historic allies and rivals of India.

"Now, China and Pakistan will come up with a strategy to counter the move, which means further aggravation in the ongoing arms race in the region," he said.

Abdul Khalique Ali, a Karachi-based political and security analyst, endorsed Masood's view.

"Pakistan has gradually been shifting its defense and security focus from Washington to Beijing. This fresh development will bring the two allies further closer as the US-India deal poses equal threat to both countries," Ali told Anadolu Agency.

*Aamir Latif from Karachi contributed to this report

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