The Ministry of Defence of India has recently signed a procurement deal with the US Government. This agreement covers the acquisition of the MK 54 Torpedo and Expendable (Chaff and Flares) for the Indian Navy under the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program. FMS represents the U.S. Government’s initiative for transferring defense articles, services, and training to international partners and organizations. The expendables in question are elements that can be consumed or used during flight and cannot be recovered.
The MK 54 Torpedo: Definition and Purpose
The MK 54 Torpedo is a cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater missile. It is capable of being launched from a submarine, surface vessel, or an airplane and is created to detonate upon contact with the hulls of surface vessels or submarines. This torpedo utilizes sophisticated processing algorithms to analyze information, discard false targets or countermeasures, and then chase after identified threats.
The main application of this equipment is for offensive purposes when used by anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters, and for defensive functions when deployed by ships against deep-diving nuclear submarines and slow-moving, quiet, diesel-electric submarines. India plans to utilize the Mk 54 torpedoes on its P-8I patrol aircraft.
Expendables: Understanding Chaff and Flares
Among the expendables covered in the deal are Chaff and Flares. Chaff, part of the CounterMeasure Dispensing System (CMDS), acts as a passive expendable electronic countermeasure serving to protect naval ships from enemies’ radar and missile seekers based on radio frequency. Chaff consists of small aluminum or zinc coated fibers stowed in tubes aboard the aircraft, ejected into the turbulent wake of air behind the plane when threatened by radar tracking missiles.
Flares, also part of CMDS, are utilized by aircraft to counter heat-seeking surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles. Flares emit a burn as hot or hotter than aircraft engine exhaust, providing an alternate infrared source that diverts heat-seeking anti-air missiles away from the plane.
The Importance of the Deal
This procurement deal significantly enhances India’s capacity to perform anti-submarine warfare missions, serving as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthening the country’s homeland defense. It also evidence of the US’s commitment to share advanced technology with India, contributing to secure and stable conditions in South Asia.
The deal carries added significance given the threat China poses to both India and the US. China has recently demonstrated its military prowess in the Indian Ocean, concerning India. This deal is viewed as America’s method of sending a warning to China and maintaining balance within the geopolitical context. Recently, the Quad collective, comprised of India, Japan, Australia, and the United States, declared their intent to do all in their power to maintain peace within the Indo-Pacific region.