Description

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Context:

In a significant development, India and the U.S. announced cooperation on co-production of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy.

About Sonobuoys

Sonobuoys are air-launched, replaceable electromechanical sensors that are effective and affordable for detecting, classifying and engaging enemy submarines and ships.
They transmit underwater sounds to remote anti-submarine warfare (ASW) processors. HAASW (High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare) sonobuoys detect submarines from altitudes of up to 30,000 feet.
Used by airborne ASW fighters to track submarines. Help the navy deliver precision strikes with air-launched torpedoes. Sonobuoys can be deployed on aircraft, submarines or ships.
They are key to protecting aircraft carrier strike groups from submarine attacks and enhancing maritime security.

Importance

After awareness of the maritime domain, the UDA became a key area of concern for India and among the Quad.
With China's growing presence in the region, India has advanced the purchase of US sonobuoys with technology transfer to enhance underwater threat detection capabilities.
It will be essential to ensure that this part of the region remains safe for trade, commerce, and prosperity.

India and US Bilateral Relations

Aspect	Details
Historical Overview	Relations were strained during the Cold War due to mistrust and India's nuclear program but have warmed significantly in recent years.
Bilateral Trade	Bilateral trade grew by 72% between 2017-18 and 2022-23. The US accounted for 18% of India's gross FDI inflows in 2021-22, second only to Singapore.
Defense and Security	Signed 'core pacts' for military cooperation: LEMOA (2016): Logistics Exchange. COMCASA (2018): Communications Security. BECA (2020): Basic Exchange. Elevated to Major Defense Partner (2016).
Space Cooperation	India signed the Artemis Accords for future space exploration. Collaboration through the bilateral Joint Civilian Space Task Force.
Multilateral Cooperation	Joint participation in UN, G20, ASEAN forums, IMF, World Bank, WTO. Collaboration in the Quad (with Australia and Japan) for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Nuclear Cooperation	Civil Nuclear Agreement (2005): India separates civilian and military nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. The US agrees to full civilian nuclear cooperation.

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anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys

Sonobuoys

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Sonobuoys are a critical component of modern naval surveillance systems, primarily used for underwater detection. Discuss the working principle, applications and strategic importance of sonobuoys in naval warfare. (150 words)