Washington: The U.S. Department of State has approved $1.9 billion Integrated Air Defence Weapon System’s (IAWDS) sale to India prior to President Donald Trump’s first state visit.
The IADWS will boost the existing air defense architecture of India.
India had requested the IADWS system ” to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack,” Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release.
The integrated weapon system includes five AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems, Fire Distribution Centers (FDC), Electrical Optical/Infrared sensor systems, and Multi-spectral Targeting System-Model A (MTS-A).
It also includes 118 AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles, three AMRAAM Guidance Sections, four AMRAAM Control Sections, and 134 Stinger FIM-92L missiles, along with Dual Mount Stinger Air Defense Systems and Vehicle Mounted Stinger Rapid Ranger Air Defense Systems, canister launchers and high mobility launchers.
The sale would “contribute to India’s military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the U.S., and other allies,” DSCA said.
India and the US are set to seal a trade deal during Trump’s planned visit.
