India is one of 17 countries to which the United States has sold its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Washington:
The Pentagon has approved India’s request to purchase $ 90 million worth of equipment, spare parts and logistical support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft.
In its notification to Congress, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security by helping to strengthen the strategic relationship between the US and India. and enhancing the security of a major defense partner, which continues to be a major force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
The items ordered by India are aircraft consumable parts and repair or return parts; equipment and support on the ground; Cartridge Actuated Devices / Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD / PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; BBU-35 / B cartridge boost squibs.
India has also ordered an AN / ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver Replacement Set; AN / ALE-47 countermeasure delivery system replacement kit; ten lightweight night vision binoculars (F5032); ten AN / AVS-9 (NVG) night vision goggles (F4949); GPS and electronic warfare.
It is also seeking support for laboratory instruments and equipment; joint mission planning system; spare parts and chargers for cryptographic devices; software and software support; publications and technical documentation; training of personnel and training and education teams; contractor engineering, technical and logistical support, and other related elements of program support.
According to the notification, the proposed sale ensures that the previously acquired aircraft operates effectively to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy transportation requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance and regional relief in cases of disaster.
This sale of parts and services will enable the Indian Air Force to sustain itself to maintain a higher state fleet ready for mission.
India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustaining support, he said, adding that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Notification of such major sales is mandatory under the Arms Export Control Act. Lawmakers have 30 days to review the proposed sale. The sale would be executed by defense major Lockheed-Martin.
India is one of 17 countries to which the United States has sold its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of five C-130J-30s. India has placed an order for six additional Super Hercules C-130J-30 aircraft.
“From the world’s highest airstrip to stark runways nearly destroyed by natural disasters, the C-130J goes where other transport aircraft can’t, won’t, or won’t. It’s a workhorse that operates around the world flying in every required mission environment and scenario every day and everywhere, “Lockheed says on its website.
In the summer of 2013, the Indian Air Force made the highest landing of a C-130J on the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at an altitude of 16,614 feet. The aircraft was used extensively by the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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