Modi Govt Clears Acquisition Of 24 MH-60 Romeo Helicopters Worth USD 2.5 Billion For Navy From US: Sources

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday cleared the purchase of 24 MH-60 `Romeo’ multi-mission helicopters worth USD 2.4 billion for the Indian Navy from United States, reported News Agency ANI quoting government sources. This comes before the much-hyped visit of US president Donald Trump to India.

Government sources: Ahead of US President Donald Trump‘s visit to India, the Cabinet Committee on Security today cleared the acquisition of 24 MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopters worth around USD 2.5 billion for the Indian Navy from the US. pic.twitter.com/rKqvN9iyqy

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2020

However, the deal for choppers manufactured by the Lockheed Martin group was approved by the then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in August 2018 itself, reports ThePrint.

The Indian Navy, grappling with the ageing British-built Sea King fleet, will get a big boost by the purchase of MH-60 ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine helicopters.

Also Read: Eyeing 'Biggest Military Deal', Boeing Seeks To Offer F-15EX Jets To India

Earlier, the United States (US) Department of State also approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) for USD 1.9 billion to New Delhi, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. According to the notification given by State Department to the US Congress, New Delhi had requested the US to facilitate the sale of IADWS.

The procurement of new Air Defense Weapon System, besides boosting India's military capability, will also enhance greater interoperability between New Delhi, Washington and other allies.

Also Read: US Approves Sale Of Integrated Air Defense Weapon System Worth USD 1.9 Billion To India

Also, the US defence major Boeing recently sought a licence from the US authorities to be able to offer its F-15EX Eagle fighter jets to the IAF. The move came as Indian Air Force plans to procure more than hundred fighter jets to fill the vacating squadrons of country’s air fleet. The top contenders for the deal include Lockheed’s F-21, Boeing’s F/A-18, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Russian aircraft MiG 35 and Saab’s Gripen.