The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Tuesday of plans to sell a package of UGM-84L Harpoon missiles, plus associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support, to the government of India. If approved by Congress, this sale would generate an estimated $200 million in new revenue for principal contractors Boeing (BA -2.87%) and privately held Delex Systems.
Live-fire exercise with Harpoon missiles aboard the British Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond (F-239) in the Atlantic. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Specifically, India intends to purchase for its navy:
- 12 UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Encapsulated missiles.
- 10 UTM-84L Harpoon Encapsulated training missiles.
- Two Encapsulated Harpoon certification training vehicles.
- Containers for the missiles, spare parts, support and test equipment, and related services.
DSCA advised Congress that the Indian Navy intends to equip its four Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarines (variants of the German Type-209 boat) with the missiles. The agency also said India already uses Harpoon missiles aboard its Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter aircraft and Indian Navy P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
DSCA assured Congress that this sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region" and will result in "no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness."
