MK-45 Naval Guns | 21 Nov 2019

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.