Indian Navy Acquires 500 Sonobuoys

The Indian Navy has spent $52.8 million (Rs 436 crore) to acquire 500 sonobuoys to enhance its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the single largest deal for an India-developed military product under defence procurement procedures. More Bearing Sea sonobuoys for the MH-60Rs. When Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was having dialogues in Washington, the US cleared a potential military sale to India as well.This acquisition, followed by some more in the future will help India checkmate China's emerging naval activities in Indian Ocean (including ever growing number of Chinese submarines). The Indian Navy needs to better its operation underwater submarine detection and tracking so as to image these vessels and stop them if required.

Sonobuoys Purchased by Indian Navy

• AN/SSQ-53G Sonobuoy: Passive pinger (DIFAR) system.
• AN/SSQ-62F Sonobuoy — Detection Directional Active variable depth sonar system (DICASS) with passive capabilities.
• AN/SSQ-36 Sonobuoy: A sonobuoy that measures sound temperature and speed in water, and improves accuracy.
• It helps improve the Indian Navy's submarine detection and tracking capability.
• The acquisition is also a bid to for India-U.S. strategic partnership, especially in Indo-Pacific as its part.
• Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters: Anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters with an advanced sonar system.
• Provides a boost to the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities and its security relationship with the US in the region.