The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has notified US Congress for a possible sale of Firefinder radar systems worth $146 million to India.
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of US by helping to improve the security of a country which continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Asia," the Agency said.
These radar sets, it said, will provide an increase in counter-battery artillery capability consistent with India's defence strategy.
There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the Congress was assured.
The $146 million package consists of eight AN/TPQ-37(V)3 Firefinder counter-battery artillery radar sets with accessories, 26 AN/VRC-90E SINCGAR radios, generators, trailers, communication equipment, Global Position Systems and training equipment besides support personnel.
India will have no difficulty absorbing these radar sets into armed forces and "the proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region," the Agency said.
India needs radio systems to fulfil strategic commitments for complete communicative inter-operability and standardisation of equipment and to communicate with their various vehicles and US forces, it added. Bureau Report