Defence ministry pact with US to procure MK 54 torpedo, expendables worth Rs 423 cr

What is the News?

The Defence Minister has signed a contract with the US government to procure MK 54 torpedoes and expendables such as chaff and flares for the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare aircraft P-8I. 

What is MK 54 lightweight torpedo?

MK 54 lightweight torpedo is an anti-submarine warfare(ASW) torpedo used by the United States Navy.

The torpedoes are designed to operate in shallow waters and in the presence of countermeasures, they can track, classify and attack underwater targets.

What is P-8I?

P-8I is a long-range, multimission maritime patrol aircraft offered by US Boeing for the Indian Navy.

The aircraft can conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol and surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

What is Chaff?

Chaff is an electronic countermeasure technology used by militaries worldwide to protect naval ships, aircraft or other sensitive targets from radar and radio frequency guiding mechanisms of the enemy missile. 

What is Flare?

A flare or decoy flare is an aerial infrared countermeasure used by a plane or helicopter to counter an infrared homing (“heat-seeking”) surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile.

Source: This post is based on the article “‘Defence ministry pact with US to procure MK 54 torpedo, expendables worth Rs 423 cr” published in Indian Express on 27th October 2021.