MK-45 Naval Guns

• 21 Nov 2019

Why in News

The United States of America has approved the sale of thirteen MK-45 naval guns and related equipment to India.

• The MK-45 (MOD 4) naval gun system will provide the capability to conduct surface warfare and air defence missions while enhancing interoperability with the US and other allied forces.
  
  • It can also be used to protect and support ground forces and control inland areas.
• It has a range of more than 20 nautical miles or 36 km.
• India has become one of the few countries that the US decided to sell the latest version (MOD 4) of its naval guns.
  
  • The other countries are Australia, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea.
• It can be noted that the USA has recently signed a number of defence related pacts with India, namely:
  
  • General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)
    
    • It allows militaries of both the countries to share the intelligence gathered by them.
  • Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)
    
    • It allows both countries to have access to each other’s designated military facilities for refuelling and replenishment.
  • Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA)
    
    • It aims to provide a legal framework for the transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the US to India.
  • Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
    
    • BECA will allow India and US to share geospatial and satellite data with each other.

Source:TH