US greenlights weapons sale to India, Italy worth $96b

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) recently authorised substantial military weapons and equipment transfer to India, Italy and Romania, totally over $96 billion.

The decision highlights the United States’ intentions to fortify defense cooperation with the countries, particularly India to combat China.

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Among the approved transaction, the US will supply torpedo missiles to the Indian Navy, valued at more than $170 million.

Torpedo missiles are underwater missiles designed for launch from submarines, surface vessels or aircraft. They are primarily used to engage enemy submarines and surface ships, making them important for any strong navy to possess.

The procurement of the torpedo missiles will strengthen India’s maritime defense and improve its naval prowess in the Indian Ocean, where tensions in recent years have escalated.

However, this is worrying for Pakistan, as the two countries have frequent standoffs with each other. This is also worrisome as Pakistani navy does not possess any weaponry of such caliber.

Meanwhile, Romania will be equipped with $11 billion liquidity corridor system. The system is aimed at improving Romania’s defense framework, facilitating more effective logistics and supply chain management for military operations.

The liquidity corridor system is critical for ensuring that armed forces can be quickly deployed and resupplied during emergencies.

While the US says it is to support its NATO allies and reinforce collective defense capabilities in eastern Europe, it’s obvious the move is taken to keep Russians at bay; in particular, since its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has long accused the US and NATO of encircling it militarily and attempting to contain it, despite verbal platitudes by the US in 90s of doing no such thing.

Similarly, Italy is slated to receive an electronic attach missions system worth $68 million.

Electronic attack systems are used to disrupt or neutralize enemy radar and communication networks. This offers a high tactical edge in combat.

The systems cam also be utilised across different platforms, including aircraft and naval vessels. They are critical in modern warfare where electronic operations are increasingly important.

The acquisition of the technology will enhance Italy’s capacity to conduct missions in contested areas and safeguard its forces from enemy detection and targeting .

By supplying such advanced weaponry and system, the US is clearly seeking to imprve the military capabilities against what it perceives as its enemies and rivals to its hegemon status in the international arena.

With China active and even accused of by various Asian nations of violating their marinetime borders, including the Philippines and Taiwan, selling such advanced naval weaponry to its rival, India, sends a strong message.

Similarly, by supplying Romania with billion dollar advanced systems, a small country that joined the NATO more recency (2004), it sends a strong and clear message to its traditional rival, Russia.

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The approval of billion dollar, advanced weaponry comes amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and eastern Europe.