Recently, The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India, valued at $131 million, for maritime surveillance under the IPMDA initiative.
About the India-U.S. Deal in Maritime Domain
- The deal includes SeaVision software, requested software enhancements, Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training, remote analytics support, documentation access, and logistics.
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Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
- The FMS program is a U.S. government-to-government arms transfer process managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
- It ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with U.S. foreign policy, enabling allies to procure American military equipment and services.
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- Parties involved : Hawkeye 360, a U.S.-based firm, is the principal contractor.
- Strategic Relevance: This sale aligns with the U.S. foreign policy to support India’s role as a “major defense partner” and an anchor of stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific.
About Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Initiative
- Launched in 2022 by the Quad countries during the Tokyo Summit.
- Designed as a technology and training-based initiative to enhance maritime security and transparency in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Objectives:
- To track “dark shipping” and provide a real-time maritime operational picture to partner countries.
- To integrate surveillance efforts across three key regions: Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Technology Used
- Utilizes commercial satellite-based radio frequency (RF) data, artificial intelligence, and integrated information systems.
- Incorporates platforms like SeaVision, used to monitor vessel movements and detect suspicious activities.
- Operational Scope
- Includes setting up regional information centers to foster data sharing and coordination among partners.
- Initially piloted in selected Quad countries and is now moving toward full-scale operational launch.
Significance of the IPMDA Initiative
- Enhancing Maritime Security: Improves the ability of regional countries to monitor:
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Maritime trafficking
- Unauthorized naval movements
- “Dark ships”, which turn off Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, can now be tracked more accurately.
India–U.S. Defense Deals
- New 10-Year Defense Framework Agreement: India and the U.S. plan to sign a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership to deepen strategic defense ties.
- Major Defense Platforms Integration: India has inducted U.S. defense equipment such as C-130J Super Hercules, P-8I Poseidon, AH-64E Apache, and MQ-9B drones, enhancing operational capabilities.
- Upcoming Procurements and Co-Productions: Plans include procuring Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and co-producing Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles to boost indigenous defense manufacturing.
- Streamlining Arms Transfers and Technology Exchange: Both nations will review International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and negotiate a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement.
- Autonomous Defense Technologies Collaboration: The U.S. and India launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), including co-development of AI-based maritime and anti-UAS systems.
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- Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Fosters collaborative maritime governance among like-minded Indo-Pacific nations.
- Helps in establishing a common operating picture, improving coordination in maritime response operations.
- Countering Chinese Maritime Presence: Several Indo-Pacific nations have raised concerns about China’s aggressive fishing fleets violating Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
- IPMDA provides a non-escalatory, tech-driven response to monitor and address these actions.
- Strategic Importance : India’s maritime security is critical due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
- The initiative complements India’s existing efforts under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and bolsters Blue Economy ambitions.
Conclusion
The Indo-U.S. collaboration under IPMDA highlights a shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. It strengthens India’s role as a maritime security provider and enhances regional stability through technology and cooperation.
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