NEW DELHI: At a time when the US and Russia are pitted against each other over Ukraine, India plans to buy missile systems from both these countries worth around $200 million.
A proposal by the defence forces is at an advanced stage in the Defence ministry as per which the Indian Navy has proposed to acquire over 20 Klub anti-ship cruise missiles from Russia and equipment for the American Harpoon anti-ship missile system, defence sources said.
The Klub missile from Russia is equipped on both the surface warships and submarines of the Indian Navy and has been one of the importing weapon systems for it for a long time, they said. The Harpoon missile system acquisition is expected to cost around $80 million to the Indian Navy under a foreign military sales route.
The US Congress has already approved the sale of the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment to India. The Indian Navy has already deployed the Harpoon missiles on its anti-submarine warfare aircraft and submarines.
India had requested to buy one Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) which includes one Harpoon Intermediate Level maintenance station; spare and repair parts, support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training; US government and contractor technical, engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
India has traditionally been using Russian weapon systems, but has diversified its acquisitions in the last two decades with procurements taking place from the US and France also in a big way. (ANI)