Amid the ongoing India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control (LAC), the United States has approved India’s request to buy $ 90 million worth of equipment, spare parts and logistical support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft.
In its notification to the Congress, the Pentagon said the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
India has sought the items including aircraft consumable spares and repair/return parts; ground support and equipment; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; BBU-35/B cartridge impulse squibs.
The proposed sale ensures that the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance and regional disaster relief, according to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency’s notification. This deal sale of spares and services will enable the Indian Air Force to sustain a higher mission-ready status fleet.