The Pentagon has approved India’s request to shop for USD 90 million worth of kit , spare parts and logistical support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft.
In its notification to the Congress, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale will support the policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve the safety of a serious defence partner, which continues to be a crucial force for political stability, peace, and economic progress within the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
The items ordered by India are aircraft consumable spares and repair/return parts; ground support and equipment; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; BBU-35/B cartridge impulse squibs.
India has also ordered for one spare AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; spare AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System shipset; ten Lightweight night-sight Binocular (F5032); ten AN/AVS-9 night-sight Goggle (NVG)(F4949); GPS and EW .
It is also seeking instruments and lab equipment support; joint mission planning system; cryptographic device spares and loaders; software and software support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training and training equipment; contractor engineering, technical and logistical support, and other related elements of programme support.
According to the notification, the proposed sale ensures that the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the requirements of the Indian Air Force, AArm.