Indian Navy's P-8I MPA to get Harpoon Missiles, MK 54 Torpedos

The United States has approved India's $155 million request to buy 10 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles and 19 MK 54 torpedos to arm the Navy's P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

According to a release by Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), India had requested to buy ten (10) AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles for $92 million from Boeing. This contract includes containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, Specialized Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAM), US Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

 The Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes.

The other contract pegged at $63 million is for the purchase of sixteen (16) MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT); and three (3) MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes (MK 54 LWT Kit procurement required) from Raytheon. Also included are MK 54 spare parts; torpedo containers; two (2) Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks built into MK 54 LWT Kits (above); air launch accessories for fixed wing; spare parts; training, publications; support and test equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support.

The MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions. India intends to utilize MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes on its P-8I aircraft.

The principal contractor for both Harpoon missile will be  Boeing Co., and Raytheon Integrated Defense System, Portsmouth, Rhode Island will supply the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo.