As a goodwill gesture and return gift, US President Donald Trump informed his administration and notified the Congress that it has approved in selling 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles worth USD 92 million, 16 MK 54 lightweight torpedoes and three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes worth USD 63 million to India.
This is in return of the hydroxychloroquine consignment that India has sent to the US to fight coronavirus, according to reports.
The congress was notified by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in two separate notifications and the action was made after the Indian government requested for these two military hardwares.
Also read: Hydroxychloroquine consignment reaches the US from India
The notification also stated the sale will strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.
The Harpoon missiles are being manufactured by Boeing and the torpedoes by Raytheon.
This proposed sale will be highly beneficial for India in order to withstand the present and future enemy threats.
Also, the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will provide the capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions which are a powerful one.
The Pentagon said that the Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defence of critical sea lanes while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces.