India-U.S. Sonobuoy Production Line Set for 2027

India and the U.S. are set to collaborate on the co-production of sonobuoys, a crucial technology for undersea domain awareness, aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s ability to detect submarines. This initiative will involve the final assembly of U.S.-specification sonobuoys in India, with the operational production line expected to be ready by 2027. The collaboration involves Ultra Maritime, a leading U.S. defense company, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), an Indian defense public sector undertaking. The sonobuoys will be used for tracking submarines, providing the Indian Navy with advanced undersea warfare capabilities.

Key Points

Co-Production Agreement

• India and the U.S. have announced the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys to enhance the Indian Navy’s undersea domain awareness capabilities.

Final Assembly in India

• Ultra Maritime, in partnership with BDL, will assemble U.S.-specification sonobuoys in India, with an operational production line expected by 2027.

Technology Transfer

• The collaboration is part of the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, and includes the development of new sonobuoy technologies tailored to the Indian Ocean environment.

Operational Compatibility

• The sonobuoys will be compatible with U.S., Indian, and allied military platforms like P-8 aircraft and MH-60R helicopters.

Geopolitical Significance

• The project strengthens defense ties between India and the U.S., particularly as China expands its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. The development also supports India’s role in the Quad and regional security.

Future Outlook

• The partnership will open avenues for Indian suppliers to join the global supply chain for undersea warfare technologies.