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India Defence Online, New Delhi — The US has given the clearance for two more missiles and an advanced combat radar for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The US will also be offering Lockheed Martin’s anti-tank Hellfire air-to-surface missile and air-to-air Stinger anti-aircraft missile by Raytheon. The Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) is also a Lockheed Martin product.
The US has offered the missiles and the radar as they are part of a weapons package on board the Apache 64D Block III attack helicopter which is being considered by India. The other contender besides the Apache helicopter from the US for IAF’s global tender for 22 combat helicopters is the Russian Mi-28. A decision on either of these combat helicopters will surface in a couple of months as the field and weapon trials have been successfully conducted. The winning helicopter will replace and update India’s s inventory of Soviet Vintage Mi 35 helicopters.
According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the price of the 22 helicopters is an estimated $1.4 billion inclusive of training, support, spares and engines however this may be flexed around depending on IAF requirements and a change in number of helicopters or other variables including technology and equipment.
As for India, it intends to buy the helicopter platforms under Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) from Boeing while the missiles and weapons under Foreign Military Sales (FMS). It seems India is on a spree when it comes to missile acquisitions.
Besides the above-mentioned missile acquisitions, the IAF has finalised a deal for 24 Boeing anti-ship Harpoon AGM-84L Block II missiles from US. The deal is worth $170 million and these missiles are to be carried by IAF’s Jaguar maritime squadrons. In addition, 21 more Harpoon Block II missiles that are to be carried by the eight Boeing P8-I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will be coming India’s way with the aircraft deal done in conjunction with the Indian Navy’s demands.
Indian defence news and strategic intelligence
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