India-US Defence Trade & Technology Initiative: News & Discussion

[Rakesh]

US Congress clears Predator drone sale to India
https://stratnewsglobal.com/articles/us ... -to-india/
01 February 2024

Exclusive: US Congress green signals Predator drone sale to India
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 70138.html
01 February 2024

India – MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major- ... d-aircraft
01 February 2024

[andy B]

Guess it's atleast moving forward.....all things considered this would be an incredible increase in capabilities all round. I only wish this was done on the basis of similar $ quantum orders for Desi systems....one can wish!

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major ... -aircraft

Transmittal No
24-07
WASHINGTON, February 1, 2024 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of India has requested to buy thirty-one (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; one hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; one hundred seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. Also included are Certifiable Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals (STT); AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E Adapter Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training rounds, Weapons Load Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles-Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A encryption devices; KY-100M Narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic units; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios; Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radars; HISAR-300 Radars; SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $3.99 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense 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 will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India has demonstrated a commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Poway, CA. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to India.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/NewsIADN/status/1785963247012880876 ---> India to sign multi-billion MQ-9B deal as soon as the new government is formed in June 2024. 15 MQ-9B of Navy will be based out of INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu while 8 aircraft each will be based in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/sidhant/status/1802648741440315790 ---> India-US Initiative on Critical & Emerging Technologies (iCET) meet underway in Delhi led by NSA Ajit Doval and US NSA Jake Sullivan.

https://x.com/sidhant/status/1802650671348649984 ---> Indian, US officials led by NSA Doval and NSA Jake meet at Delhi's Hyderabad house for key talks on critical and emerging technologies. This is the 2nd such meeting on the initiatives that was announced in May of 2022 by Biden-Modi.

[Vayutuvan]

Jake is BSitter.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/ANI/status/1813987785952620743 ---> Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a trusted partner of over three decades, we recognize the promising talent and capabilities of the local industry and remain committed to strengthening the defence and industrial ties between our two nations.

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1814006744978497807 ---> I like this! C-130J instead of some random F-21 or Stryker thing from General Dynamics Land Systems.

[VinodTK]

The ministry has cleared the purchase of 72,400 Sig Sauer assault rifles from the US, with deliveries already completed for a previous order of 72,400 rifles. The Indian Army is also planning to buy an additional 72,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from the US. Additionally, the ministry has approved the procurement of static HF transceiver sets and smart anti-airfield weapons. These acquisitions are aimed at enhancing the firepower and combat capabilities of the armed forces./quote]
IDF

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/lalitkjha/status/1816650963802878107 ---> US Senator @marcorubio introduces US-India Defense Cooperation Act:

1. Treat India on par with its allies like as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO on tech transfers
2. Support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity (from China)
3. Bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India

Press Release on the Bill ---->https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-intr ... rtnership/

The Proposed Bill in Full ---> https://www.rubio.senate.gov/wp-content ... on-Act.pdf

[Rakesh]

US to provide consultancy to India to build advanced UAVs under USD 3 billion 31 Predator drone deal
https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/us-t ... 728200152/
28 July 2024

[Vayutuvan]

^ The US is leveraging USD 100 million aid to Shittistan to sell USD 3 billion maal to Bharat.

[Rakesh]

DAC approves amendment to MQ-9B UAV deal with U.S.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 5.ece/amp/
29 July 2024

[Manish_P]

DAC approves amendment to MQ-9B UAV deal with U.S.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 5.ece/amp/
29 July 2024

From the article

“The amendments approved are within the scope of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) that was granted for the MQ-9B deal. They are related to the indigenous content and related aspects,” a defence source said.

Any idea what these would be Rakesh ji? perhaps some relaxations on 'Make in India' ?...

[sanman]

Apache Delayed - gee, I wonder why?

[Pratyush]

A fool and his money are soon parted.

This is a textbook example of the phenomenon.

[Rakesh]

DOD, India Ministry of Defence Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/R ... rangement/
22 August 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1827180576413016217 ---> The US notifies proposed sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys & related equipment for around $52.8 million to India. They are meant for the 24 submarine-hunting MH-60R Seahawk helicopters being inducted by the Navy under the $2.13 billion contract in February 2020.

[KL Dubey]

https://theprint.in/opinion/what-next-f ... p/2224499/

This seems a fairly good article. There is a nice summary chart of what Modi 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 achieved in collaboration with Obamudu, Trump, and Bhaidanwa....and a discussion on upcoming plans and challenges.

[Vayutuvan]

What is with "Obamadu, Bhaidanwa, ..."?!!! Obama and Biden are shorter and correct. Huh?!!!

[Rakesh]

SOSA done, India & US now aim for RDP. A look at these two critical defence agreements
https://theprint.in/defence/sosa-done-i ... s/2235125/
23 August 2024

[Rakesh]

Have barely scratched the surface, much potential for deeper collaboration: US experts on Indo-US initiative for defence production
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 178102.cms
09 Sept 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1835156153715900907 ---> India getting set to ink mega deal for 31 weaponized MQ-9B drones from the US next month.

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1835178025580978402 ---> India will also equip the drones with indigenous weapons, including the naval short-range anti-ship missiles (NASM-SR) being developed by DRDO, in the future.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/livefist/status/1846036752642769246 ---> India to sign $3.1 billion MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone deal with the United States today.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/livefist/status/1846036752642769246 ---> India to sign $3.1 billion MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone deal with the United States today.

8 Years After India Asked, Deal For 31 U.S. Armed Drones Signed
https://www.livefistdefence.com/8-years ... es-signed/
15 Oct 2024

[Rakesh]

8 Years After India Asked, Deal For 31 U.S. Armed Drones Signed
https://www.livefistdefence.com/8-years ... es-signed/
15 Oct 2024

https://x.com/amcaji/status/1846095958758633535 ---> Good for navy, really useful to keep an eye on the vast coastline and IOR. don't know about Army and Air Force.

https://x.com/KSingh_1469/status/1846114310826651665 ---> Exactly my thoughts. The Sea Guardian is legitimately a top tier system for its domain and will be a significant boost for the Navy. The Sky Guardians aren’t a particular step over the Heron-TP to justify the cost, IA/IAF were only included to make the deal workable.

https://x.com/daeroplate_v2/status/1846119932691366105 ---> 'External Forces' would want to keep more tabs on IA/IAF than IN for sure. A Tapas or a custom modded Heron-TP makes that a lot harder vs seamless probes and backdoors.

https://x.com/KSingh_1469/status/1846126216572498084 ---> The US just got 31 additional eyes and ears in the indo-pacific. You can be sure ever megabyte will be routed through US satellites and data handling systems, local MRO is just an excuse to have only OEM (foreign) technicians able to physically inspect sensitive parts.

[Rakesh]

8 Years After India Asked, Deal For 31 U.S. Armed Drones Signed
https://www.livefistdefence.com/8-years ... es-signed/
15 Oct 2024

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1846028144907604194 ---> India & US to today ink the $3.3 billion (Rs 28,000 crore) contract for 31 weaponised MQ-9B Predator drones, which will take the collective worth of lucrative Indian defence deals bagged by Washington to over $25 billion in less than two decades.

===========================

US $25 billion in two decades. But the American Apologists on the internet (and even on BRF) will still complain that India is not doing enough for the Indo-US strategic partnership. Classic example below....

https://x.com/Gokul_Sahni/status/1844020300465533140 ---> “We have stood by your side through thick and thin,” Safran’s chair Ross McInnes assured an audience at India’s Defence Conclave earlier this month. “The same cannot be said of your other western partners,” he added..”

https://x.com/tanvi_madan/status/1844027105505640631 ---> France being France. In the west, but undercutting the west. In an alliance against Russia, but speaking like Russia sometimes. (More important question is did they offer the terms/price that India wanted).

https://x.com/Firezstarter1/status/1844300055781753157 ---> How is offering a better deal then the UK/US undercutting the west, lol. I mean be a bit more subtle about the propaganda at least.

बेशरम की भी हद होती है
Besharam Ki Bhi Had Hoti Hai

[drnayar]

DOD, India Ministry of Defence Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/R ... rangement/
22 August 2024

India plugging into American military industrial complex supply chains

[sanman]

[Rakesh]

India-US Military Cooperation Group Meeting Charts Future Course
https://bharatshakti.in/india-us-milita ... re-course/
06 Nov 2024