An MK-54 Torpedo. Seen in the background is a US Navy P-8 Poseidon.
New Delhi: The United States state department has approved the potential sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes to India. The torpedoes are intended to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R (Romeo) Seahawk helicopters, which are already equipped with this anti-submarine warfare system.
The administration of the US president, Joe Biden, notified the US Congress on Monday about this sale. The sale, which is yet to receive final approval from Congress, is part of the US’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme and is worth approximately $175 million.
Manufactured by RTX, formerly Raytheon, these MK-54 torpedoes are designed to operate in various maritime conditions, including shallow waters and environments with countermeasures. Weighing approximately 276 kilograms, the torpedoes have a maximum range of about 10.75 nautical miles (19.91 kilometres) and can target submarines at depths of up to 600 metres (1968.5 feet).
These torpedoes are also capable of tracking, classifying, and neutralizing other underwater threats, which will provide a significant boost to India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and its ability to counter underwater drones.
It may be noted that recently, the US also approved the sale of advanced anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys, worth $52.8 million, to India, as India Sentinels had reported.
India’s acquisition of these additional torpedoes is in line with the country’s growing need to counter regional maritime threats, especially from adversaries in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). The MH-60R (Romeo) Seahawk helicopters, acquired in a 2020 deal worth $2.6 billion, are equipped with various sensors and armaments, making them critical assets in the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance operations.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a significant portion of the torpedo hardware will be sourced from the US Navy’s existing stock. The DSCA also noted that the Indian Navy already operates MK-54 torpedoes and should face no difficulties integrating this new batch into its arsenal.
While this sale is not expected to upset the regional military balance, it underscores the strengthening strategic and defence ties between India and the US. This deal comes amid growing defence cooperation between the two nations, as both seek to enhance their maritime security in response to increased activities by rival powers in the Indo-Pacific region.
