Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

US to sell anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys to India

Sonobuoys, which are air-launched and expendable sensors, help detect underwater sounds and relay them to remote processors.

The sale is expected to enhance India's ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations, according to a notification sent to the US Congress. (Photo: iStock)
The sale is expected to enhance India's ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations, according to a notification sent to the US Congress. (Photo: iStock)

THE US has approved the sale of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys to India, valued at £40.6 million.

The sale is expected to enhance India's ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations, according to a notification sent to the US Congress.


Sonobuoys, which are air-launched and expendable sensors, help detect underwater sounds and relay them to remote processors. They are considered an affordable and effective tool for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), particularly when used by airborne ASW forces.

"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters. India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a notification to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this week.

In accordance with the Arms Export Control Act, Congress has 30 days to review the sale. According to the notification, India had requested to purchase AN/SSQ-53O HAASW sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, with a total estimated cost of £40.6 million.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the United States-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the notification added.

On August 23, secretary of state Antony Blinken approved the foreign military sale to India of the sonobuoys and related equipment for the estimated cost of £40.6 million.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Bangladesh's former election chief arrested over vote rigging claims

FILE PHOTO: Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalized metro station in Mirpur, after the anti-quota protests. (Photo by -/Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office/AFP via Getty Images)

Bangladesh's former election chief arrested over vote rigging claims

BANGLADESH's former chief election commissioner K M Nurul Huda has been arrested on charges of manipulating elections during his tenure, police said.

Dhaka metropolitan police’s deputy commissioner Mohidul Islam said Huda was arrested in the case filed by former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against the former election commission chief and 18 others, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

US president Donald Trump. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Pakistan under fire for nominating Trump for Nobel Peace prize

PAKISTANI politicians and citizens are demanding their government withdraw its nomination of US president Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize, following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar sent a formal letter to the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Norway last Friday (20), recommending Trump for the prestigious award.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave abates as rain and cooler air sweep in

The upcoming week is forecast to remain unsettled

iStock

UK heatwave abates as rain and cooler air sweep in

Key points

  • UK's hottest day of the year recorded on Saturday at 33.2°C in Charlwood
  • Amber heat-health alert remains in effect until Monday morning
  • Sunday brought fresher conditions with showers and lower humidity
  • Week ahead will be unsettled, with rain and brief warm spells
  • Train passengers were evacuated during Saturday’s extreme heat

Heat gives way to fresher, unsettled conditions

Following a spell of extreme heat, wind and rain have moved in across the UK, bringing relief and lower temperatures. Saturday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33.2°C (91.8°F) in Charlwood, near Gatwick.

By Sunday, the weather turned fresher with scattered showers and sunshine for most areas. Humidity levels dropped, and temperatures were significantly lower than the day before.

Keep ReadingShow less
Yoga Day celebrated at UK Parliament

Yoga Day celebrated at UK Parliament

Mahesh Liloriya

The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK marked International Yoga Day with a spiritual and interfaith gathering at House of Commons. The event reflected the global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” and was led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, global Sanatan Dharma and interfaith leader.

The programme began with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Air India tragedy, followed by prayers from Guruji, Pujya Rishi Ji Maharaj, Shri Niranjan Swami, and Pandit Shiv Puri Ji, with a Navkar Mahamantra chant by Samani Malay Pragya Ji and Neeti Pragya Ji.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tehran-Reuters

People attend a protest against the US attack on nuclear sites, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tehran. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Iran vows response as US hits nuclear facilities, Israel continues attacks

IRAN on Monday warned of “serious” consequences following US air strikes on its nuclear facilities, as its ongoing conflict with Israel entered the 11th day.

Despite international calls for de-escalation, aerial attacks continued. Air raid sirens were heard across Israel, and AFP reporters confirmed several blasts over Jerusalem.

Keep ReadingShow less