Sonobuoy

Source: The Hindu (Sonobuoy)

Why in News?

India and the United States have announced a joint collaboration on the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys, advanced undersea surveillance technology, through a partnership between Ultra Maritime (UM) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). This move is part of a broader agenda under the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and aims to strengthen India’s Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) and defense industrial base.

This cooperation comes amid increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a growing concern for both nations.

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Key Features of the Collaboration (Sonobuoy)

1. Sonobuoy Technology:
   • Sonobuoys are advanced underwater surveillance devices used to track submarines in oceans.
   • The co-production model will adhere to U.S. Navy standards and the “Make in India” initiative.
   • The sonobuoys will be optimized for the unique acoustic environment of the Indian Ocean, enabling wide-area submarine detection.
2. Industrial Collaboration:
   • The partnership involves joint manufacturing between Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
   • Production will be split between India and the U.S., enhancing the defense industrial bases of both nations.
   • Manufacturing in India will be based in Visakhapatnam, home to Indian Navy’s Eastern Command.
3. Interoperability:
   • The sonobuoys will be interoperable across platforms like the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones.
   • This aligns with India’s military platforms already acquired from the U.S. and supports interoperability with Quad partners (Australia, Japan, U.S.).

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Strategic Importance (Sonobuoy)

1. Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA):
   • UDA has become critical for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean, where Chinese submarine activity has increased significantly.
   • The collaboration will enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, improving deterrence and operational readiness.
2. Quad Synergy:
   • India’s use of platforms common to Quad members (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia), such as the P-8, MH-60R, and MQ-9B, will ensure greater interoperability during joint exercises like Malabar.
   • Enhanced UDA capability also bolsters Quad’s collective maritime security agenda in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. “Make in India” and Defense Manufacturing:
   • The collaboration strengthens India’s domestic defense industry under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
   • Joint production with a leading U.S. firm like Ultra Maritime highlights growing trust in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
4. Geopolitical Considerations:
   • The move is part of a broader strategy to counter China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean and its strategic interests around maritime chokepoints.
   • By focusing on ASW and UDA, India is preparing for potential challenges posed by submarines operating undetected in its maritime territory.

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India’s Naval Assets and UDA Priorities

1. Acquired U.S. Platforms:
   • P-8I Patrol Aircraft: Long-range surveillance for ASW and reconnaissance.
   • MH-60R Helicopters: Multi-role helicopters capable of ASW and search-and-rescue missions.
   • MQ-9A/B Drones: High-altitude, long-endurance drones for surveillance and strike missions.
2. Future Acquisitions:
   • India recently signed a $3.5 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B drones, with 15 intended for the Navy and the rest for the Army and Air Force. Deliveries will begin in January 2029.
3. Focus on UDA:
   • UDA complements India’s MDA efforts by enabling the Navy to monitor subsurface activity, detect threats, and secure maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.

This collaboration reflects a deepening strategic partnership between India and the U.S., focused on addressing shared security concerns and fostering defense innovation. The emphasis on UDA highlights the increasing importance of securing subsurface domains in the Indo-Pacific region.

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