US approves sale of 13 MK45 Naval gun worth $1 billion to India

United States of America (USA) has approved Foreign Military Sale to India of 13 MK45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) Naval guns and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.0210 billion. The principal contractor in this India-US defence deal will be BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Minneapolis, Minnesota with gun manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Significance of sale to India

MK-45 Gun System will provide India Navy lethal capability to conduct anti-surface warfare and anti-air defence missions. It will also enhance its interoperability with US and its other allied forces. It will be used by India as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. This proposed sale will support US’s foreign policy and national security by improving the security of strategic regional partner. Moreover, this proposed sale and support will also not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Background

The sale of these naval guns was approved based on India’s request to buy 13 such guns along with 3,500 D349 Projectile, 5″/54 MK 92 MOD 1 Ammunition including other ammunition, spare parts, personnel training and equipment training, publications and technical data etc. With this, India has become one of handful few countries that US decided to sell its latest version (Mod 4) of its naval guns. The other countries to which US has sold MOD 4 naval guns so far are Australia, South Korea and Japan. It also has given one to Thailand.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019