The Pentagon has cleared an arms deal with India that is estimated to cost $2.6 billion. Included in this deal are 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, 10 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 38 APKWS rockets, as well as various radar equipment. The Seahawk helicopters possess the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions, which India is expected to use as a deterrent against regional threats. The arms deal comes just weeks after a military escalation between India and Pakistan over terrorist attacks in the disputed region of Kashmir. Pakistan, also allied with the US, will likely question their western partner’s neutrality on the issue. However, the arms deal will not be complete until approved by the U.S. Congress.
