Tuesday, November 15 2005 16:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The Pentagon has notified Congress of plans to lease two P-3C reconnaissance aircraft to India.

"The two leased P-3c aircraft will replace two existing Indian Navy patrol aircraft, Soviet-built IL-38 May aircraft, which are quickly reaching the end of their fatigue and operational service life," the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said yesterday (Nov 15, 2005).

The agency estimated the value of a logistics support contract for the aircraft at 133 million dollars.

Congress has 30 days from the time it is notified to block the contract.

The United States and India signed a military cooperation pact in June that opens the way for stepped-up weapons procurement as well as cooperation on missile defense.

The DSCA said India needed aircraft for land-based maritime patrol and reconnaissance against submarines and surface warfare ships as well as to protect its economic exclusion zone.

"Modernization will enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy, support its regional influence and meet its legitimate self-defense needs," the agency said.