The United States of America recently approved the sale of MK-45 (MOD 4) naval gun systems, along with related equipment, to India. This decision positions India among a select group of nations. Other countries that have acquired the latest version of these naval guns include Australia, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea.
The MK-45 (MOD 4) Naval Gun System
The MK-45 (MOD 4) is an advanced naval gun system that provides the capability to conduct both surface warfare and air defense missions. Providing a significant enhancement to interoperability with the US and other allied forces, this system can also be effectively utilized for the protection and support of ground forces while controlling inland areas. Notably, the MK-45 (MOD 4) boast a range of over 20 nautical miles or approximately 36 kilometers.
India’s Acquisition Among Few Worldwide
India’s acquisition puts it in a select group of countries. Including the US itself, only five nations worldwide now possess the MK-45 (MOD 4) naval gun system – a testament to the strength and capabilities of this military asset.
US & India Defense Agreements
In recent years, the US and India have inked several defense-related pacts. These agreements serve to bolster the strategic relationship between the two countries and lay out frameworks for cooperation in various areas of defense and security.
| Agreement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) | Facilitates sharing of intelligence gathered by the militaries of both nations. |
| Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) | Allows both countries to access each other’s designated military facilities for refueling and replenishment. |
| Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) | Provides a legal framework for the transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the US to India. |
| Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) | Enables India and the US to share geospatial and satellite data with each other. |
Significance and Potential Impact
The numerous defense agreements between the US and India, combined with the recent approval of the MK-45 (MOD 4) naval gun sale, underscore the growing closeness between these two nations in the realm of defense and security. This evolving relationship can potentially influence regional power dynamics and is expected to have significant implications on the geopolitical landscape.
