It’s the largest defense contract ever between India and the US for 8 of the Boeing 737 derived maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.

They will replace a similar number of Tupolev-142Ms “Bear” turboprops.

They will carry sonar buoys, depth charges, torpedos, and Harpoon missiles for use against surface combatants.

Considering that the next largest Indo-US deal was a $962 million contract for 6 C-130J, this is a step up, both in size and technology transfer.

That being said, the US is still a bit player, with Russia, France , and Israel dominating the defense import market to India.