India Today

...ON THE FAST TRACK

($1.8 billion) ($1 billion)

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Defence purchases and agreements from the US have been the fastest moving element in the relationsh­ip

Communicat­ions Compatibil­ity and Security Agreement (COMCASA)

A key enabling agreement that allows for the fitment of secure communicat­ion devices on Indian military platforms, allowing them to ‘talk’ to US platforms. Current Indian platforms of US origin do not use them. Likely to be signed during the 2+2 dialogue

Basic Exchange and Cooperatio­n Agreement (BECA)

An agreement that will allow India and the US to share secure military communicat­ion. A logical extension of COMCASA. Also likely to be signed during the 2+2 dialogue

Helicopter­s

Sikorsky 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopter­s to replace the Indian Navy’s ageing fleet of Seakings. To be bought off the shelf from the US

NSAMS-2

Advanced long-range missiles to protect national capital Delhi from threats, such as hijacked airliners. Currently installed in Washington DC

Guardian drones

Approximat­ely $2 billion for 22 MQ9 B Guardian unarmed drones meant for long-range maritime recce duties. Sale cleared by the US in 2017 though an armed version is on the cards

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