United States Arms Sales Approvals for India – 2019 – 2025
- Security Risks Research
- 19 hours ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved US $ 5.611 Billion to India in 2024-25 and US $ 9.095 Billion arms sales to India from 2019 to April 2021. Total sales during the two periods amount to US $ 14.7069 which includes a variety of major platforms and support equipment. The basic objective sales was as per DSCA mission statement to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges wherein Foreign Military Sales is a primary component.
The DSCA approves the sales based on the directions of Department of State with a view to, “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.”
The major sales to India in 2024-25 include 31 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft, MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and Follow-on Support, MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes, Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys, Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, of Javelin Missile System, Excalibur Projectiles
The details of the sales for 2024-25 and from 2019-2021 are tabulated separately for ease of reference month wise when approved. The approval does not imply that the sales has been executed.
In addition defence sales identified in a US Congressional Research Service Report from 2000 to 2024 are also attached for reference.
November 2025 – Excalibur Projectiles
Foreign Military Sale to India of Excalibur Projectiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $47.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
The Government of India has requested to buy up to two hundred sixteen (216) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: ancillary items; Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS) with Improved Platform Integration Kit (iPIK); primers; propellant charges; U.S. Government technical assistance; technical data; repair and return services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $47.1 million.
November 2025 - Javelin Missile System
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of Javelin Missile System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $45.7 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
The Government of India has requested to buy one hundred (100) FGM-148 Javelin rounds; one (1) Javelin FGM-148 missile, fly-to-buy; and twenty-five (25) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLU). The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: Javelin LwCLU or CLU Basic Skills Trainers; missile simulation rounds; battery coolant unit; interactive electronic technical manual; Javelin operator manuals; lifecycle support; physical security inspection; spare parts; system integration and check out; Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) technical assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office technical assistance; tool kits; training; Block 1 CLU refurbishment services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $45.7 million.
April 2025 - India – Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and related equipment for an estimated cost of $131 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of India has requested to buy SeaVision software (including requested software enhancements); Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training; remote software and analytic support; access to SeaVision documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $131 million.
August 2024 - Anti Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys
The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the
Government of India of Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys and related equipment for an estimated cost of $52.8 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
The Government of India has requested to buy AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; technical and publications and data documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program services and support. The estimated total cost is $52.8 million.
October 2024 – Light Weight Torpedoes
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $175 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
The Government of India has requested to buy fifty-three (53) MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds. The following non-MDE items will also be included: Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP); air launch accessories; classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts; torpedo containers; torpedo support equipment, including test equipment and tools; torpedo support services; classified and unclassified books and other publications; other technical assistance, including technical support, technical program management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, contract management, and initial follow-on-technical support (FOTS); in-country torpedo training; related equipment and services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
December 2024 India – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and Follow-on Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.17 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. The Government of India has requested to buy thirty (30) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS). The following non-MDE items will also be included: advanced data transfer systems; external fuel tanks; AN/AAS 44C(V) forward looking infrared (FLIR) systems; an operator machine interface assistant; spare containers; facilities study, design, construction and support; support and test equipment; munitions; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; intermediate and depot-level repair capabilities and associated spares; communications equipment; software development, delivery and support, including Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, including Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) repair capabilities and Performance Based Logistics (PBL); studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
February 2024 - India – MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of India has requested to buy thirty-one (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; one hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; one hundred seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B
Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. Also included are Certifiable Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals (STT); AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU891/E Adapter Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training rounds, Weapons Load Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles-Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A encryption devices; KY100M Narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic units; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios; Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radars; HISAR-300 Radars; SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band Lineof-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
US Arms Sales to India 2019 to May 2023 As Below
The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved US $ 9.095 Billion arms sales to India from 2019 to April 2021 which includes a variety of major platforms and support equipment. The basic objective sales was as per DSCA mission statement to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges wherein Foreign Military Sales is a primary component.
The DSCA approves the sales based on the directions of Department of State with a view to, “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.”
Amongst the major sales to India in the last four years plus – February 2019 to May 2023 include P 8 I aircraft and Multi Mission helicopters for the Indian Navy, Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) essentially for the air defence of the national capital, naval guns, missiles, torpedoes and follow on support for the C 17 and C 130 J transport aircraft.
The total value of the sales is US $ 9.095 Billion. The details of the sales are tabulated for ease of reference month wise when approved. The approval does not imply that the sales has been executed.
February 2019
Two 777 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self-Protection Suites (SPS). $190 million. The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to deter regional threats. The SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats. India will have no problem absorbing and using the SPS system.
April 2019
Twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters. $2.6 billion The proposed sale will provide India the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions along with the ability to perform secondary missions including vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. India will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.
July 2019
C-17 sustainment follow-on support $670 million India needs this follow-on support to maintain its operational readiness and ability to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) assistance in the region. India will have no difficulty absorbing this support into its armed forces.
November 2019
Thirteen (13) MK 45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns and related equipment. $1.0210. 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 U.S. and other allied forces. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
February 2020
Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) $1.867 billion. India intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack. This will contribute to India’s military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the U.S., and other allies. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.
April 2020
Sixteen (16) MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT); three (3) MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes (MK 54 LWT Kit procurement required); and related equipment. $63 million. The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems. The MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. India intends to utilize MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes on its P-8I aircraft. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.
April 2020
Ten (10) AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles and related equipment. $92 million The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems. The Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
September 2020
C 130 J Follow on Support and related equipment. $90 million. The proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of Indian Air Force, Army and Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief. This sale of spares and services will enable the Indian Air Force to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support.
August 2021
Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS). On August 2, 2021 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $82 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale as per the DSCA website. This is based on the Government of India request to buy one (1) Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS). Also included is one (1) Harpoon Intermediate Level maintenance station; spare and repair parts, support, and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $82 million.
April 30, 2021
P-8I & Associated Support. On April 30, 2021 State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of six (6) P-8I Patrol aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.42 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
The Government of India has requested to buy six (6) P-8I Patrol aircraft; eight (8) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems 5 (MIDS-JTRS 5) (6 installed, 2 spares); forty-two (42) AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensors (36 installed, 6 spares); and fourteen (14) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGIs) (12 installed, 2 spares). Also included are CFM56-7 commercial engines; Tactical Open Mission Software (ITOMS) variant for P-8I; Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) MX-20HD; AN/AAQ-2(V)l Acoustic System; ARES-1000 commercial variant Electronic Support Measures; AN/APR-39D Radar Warning Receiver; AN/ALE-47 Counter Measures Dispensing System; support equipment and spares; publications; repair and return; transportation; aircraft ferry; training; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, software, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $2.42 billion.
[Source DSCA Website]
Major U.S. Arms Purchases by India - 2000-2024
The US Congressional Research Service in a report has identified the following sales from 2000 to 2024
(Deliveries completed unless otherwise noted.)
Air
28 AH-64 Apache combat helicopters (25 delivered)
1,774 AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles (1,454 delivered)
600 WGU-59 air-to-surface rockets (25 delivered)
245 Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles
12 APG-78 Longbow combat helicopter radars
15 CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters
13 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft
11 C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft
2 MQ-9A Reaper UAVs (two-year lease in 2020)
512 CBU-97 guided bombs
640 JDAM and GBU-39 guided glide bombs (0 delivered)
249 turbofan aircraft engines (48 delivered)
Sea
1 Austin-class amphibious transport dock
24 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters (12 delivered)
12 P-8I Poseidon patrol and ASW aircraft
78 MK 54 ASW torpedoes (62 delivered)
6 S-61 Sea King ASW helicopters
63 Harpoon anti-ship missiles
18 naval gas turbines (4 delivered)
Land
12 Firefinder counterbattery radars
145 M-777 towed 155 mm howitzers
1,400 M-982 Excalibur guided artillery shells
145,400 SIG Sauer SIG716 assault rifles
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