By Shakir Husain
NEW DELHI, Nov 21 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The United States will sell naval guns to India in a US$1 billion deal as American military exports witness rapid increase in their bilateral trade.
India has sought 13 MK45 naval guns and 3,500 D349 Projectile as part of the purchase that includes spare parts, personnel training and technical assistance, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems. The MK-45 Gun System will provide the capability to conduct antisurface warfare and anti-air defense missions while enhancing interoperability with US and other allied forces. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The MK45 is made by BAE Systems at its facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
India has become a major buyer of US weapons with their military trade estimated to reach US$18 billion by the end of this year from almost zero in 2008, according to the US State Department.
India’s major recent purchases include a US$2.6 billion deal for MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Apache helicopters for US$2.3 billion, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft worth US$3 billion, and M777 howitzers for US$737 million.
— NNN-BERNAMA
