From AI resources 

Indian shipbuilders (MDL, GRSE, Cochin Shipyard, L&T Defence, etc.) do not directly buy” US naval weapons in a simple procurement sense. Instead, they integrate US-origin systems mainly through:

• Government-to-government (FMS) deals

• Licensed integration into ships

• OEM supply for specific weapon modules

• Electronics, sensors, and missile systems cooperation

Here is a clear, structured breakdown of US-origin naval weapons and defence systems used on Indian Navy ships and platforms built by Indian shipyards.

Naval Weapons & Systems (US origin) used in Indian-built ships

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Torpedoes

MK 54 Lightweight Torped

Supplier: Raytheon (via US Navy FMS)

Used on:

     P-8I maritime patrol aircraft

     Indian Navy ASW operations (ship integration support systems)

One of the most important US naval weapons India operate Supports anti-submarine warfare in Indian Ocean Region

Example: India signed deals worth hundreds of crores for MK-54 torpedoes and countermeasures.  

Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)

Phalanx CIWS (20mm radar-guided gun system)

• Supplier: Raytheon

• Function:

• Last-line missile and aircraft defence

• Automatic radar-guided firing system

• Installed on:

• Older Indian Navy ships (US-origin platforms like INS Jalashwa)

• Some integrated legacy systems

Protects ships against incoming missiles at very short range

Maritime Patrol Aircraft Weapons (Ship-linked system)

Sonobuoys & ASW systems

• Suppliers:

• Ultra Maritime

• US Navy supply chain

Used with:

• P-8I Poseidon aircraft (built by Boeing, US)

These systems are critical for:

• Detecting submarines

• Feeding data to Indian Navy ships and fleets

Missile-related Systems (Indirect US input)

While India mainly uses Israeli/Russian missiles, US systems contribute in:

• Fire control electronics

• Radar integration components

• Combat system subsystems

Example contributors:

• Lockheed Martin (sensor and electronics tech ecosystem)

• Northrop Grumman (radar/avionics tech influence in allied systems)

Naval Electronics & Combat Systems Integration

Indian shipbuilders integrate US-origin or US-standard-compatible systems in:

• Combat Management Systems (CMS interfaces)

• Communication systems (NATO-compatible architecture in some vessels)

• Navigation and targeting sensors (select subsystems)

US-Origin Warship Platforms Used in India (Important context)

Some systems entered via transfer of US ships:

Example:

• USS Trenton → INS Jalashwa

• Included:

• Phalanx CIWS (Raytheon)

• US-standard naval sensors

• Helicopter operations systems

Important Reality (Very Important Insight)

Even though US companies are involved:

Indian shipbuilders (MDL, GRSE, CSL, L&T):

They do NOT directly procure weapons like a normal buyer. Instead:

Indian Navy selects weapon system

Government signs FMS or OEM deal

System is integrated during shipbuilding

Shipbuilders are integrators, not arms buyers

Strategic Insight (Why US systems matter)

US systems are used because they provide:

• High reliability for ASW warfare

• NATO-standard interoperability

• Advanced sensor + fire-control tech

• Compatibility with Indian-US naval cooperation

But India is now shifting toward:

Indigenous weapons + Israeli + French + US mix

Final Summary

Major US naval weapons/systems used in Indian shipbuilding ecosystem:

• MK 54 Torpedoes – Raytheon

• Phalanx CIWS – Raytheon

• ASW sonobuoys & underwater systems – US suppliers

• Combat electronics & sensor subsystems – US defence ecosystem

But Indian shipyards themselves do not buy weapons” directly—they integrate systems chosen by the Indian Navy.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera