India and US to jointly produce sonobuoys for enhanced naval capabilities
| 2025-01-10
The sonobuoy co-production initiative highlights the growing depth of India-US defence cooperation.
The project was discussed between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi
In a landmark development, India and the United States have announced a collaboration to co-produce sonobuoys, advanced underwater detection devices crucial for anti-submarine warfare and Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA). The initiative, part of an evolving defense partnership, aims to bolster the capabilities of the Indian Navy while enhancing interoperability between the two nations' forces.
The sonobuoy production project was discussed during a meeting between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Monday (January 6, 2025). The White House hailed the collaboration as a “first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production,” in a Fact Sheet issued after the meeting.
Sonobuoys are small, expendable devices used in underwater acoustics to detect submarines and monitor other undersea activities. Deployed from aircraft or ships, these devices are equipped with a floating radio transmitter and an underwater hydrophone. Once activated upon water impact, the hydrophone captures acoustic signals and transmits them via Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radios for real-time analysis.
The jointly produced sonobuoys will be interoperable between the Indian and US navies, reflecting the deepening strategic alignment between the two countries.
The collaboration on sonobuoys gains strategic importance against the backdrop of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With one of the largest submarine fleets in the world—estimated at around 65 vessels—China has been extending its influence by assisting Pakistan with submarine technology and even gifting submarines to countries like Bangladesh.
China’s activities in the Bay of Bengal and Myanmar further underscore the need for robust undersea detection and monitoring capabilities. Sonobuoys will enable India to effectively track underwater threats, ensuring the safety and security of critical maritime trade routes and contributing to regional stability.
The sonobuoy co-production initiative highlights the growing depth of India-US defence cooperation. The project aligns with India’s Make in India initiative. US company Ultra Maritime and India’s state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will spearhead the project, ensuring the transfer of technology and enhancing India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities. The devices are expected to become operational by 2027, further strengthening India’s naval arsenal.
The sonobuoy project is part of a broader roadmap for defence industrial cooperation outlined by the two nations. It complements ongoing joint ventures such as the co-production of GE F414-INS6 engines by GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s future fighter jets and the acquisition of MQ-9B armed drones.
The collaboration extends beyond hardware production, with both nations emphasizing innovation. The US Defence Innovation Unit and India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence are working to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge commercial technologies for military applications.
The sonobuoy initiative marks a new chapter in India-US defense relations, which have witnessed significant progress over the past decade. Since India was designated a Major Defense Partner of the US in 2016, the two countries have signed foundational agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
These agreements have enabled seamless operational collaboration and intelligence sharing, enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and military capabilities.
The India-US defence partnership is complemented by strong economic ties. Bilateral trade between the two nations grew by 72% from 2017-18 to 2022-23, with the US accounting for 18% of India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in 2021-22.
Both countries also collaborate in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, G20, and the Quad, which includes Australia and Japan. These platforms promote shared interests such as a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In the realm of space, India’s participation in the Artemis Accords has deepened cooperation on space exploration, while the bilateral Civil Space Joint Working Group advances shared goals in space research and development.
The sonobuoy initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliance. By integrating advanced US technology with indigenous manufacturing capabilities, the project will not only enhance India’s defense ecosystem but also contribute to global security.
National Security Advisor Doval highlighted the importance of such collaborations in addressing emerging challenges in the maritime domain. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The co-production of sonobuoys marks a significant step in India-US defense collaboration, enhancing India’s maritime security and technological self-reliance
With the project set to become operational by 2027, it not only bolsters India’s naval capabilities but also strengthens the foundation for future cooperation in defense and technology. The initiative represents a critical move in countering regional threats and promoting peace and stability in one of the world’s most dynamic maritime regions.
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