By IANS
New Delhi : The Indian Navy has sought a second troop carrier from the US to build on its newly acquired capabilities but Washington would have to clear the sale of the ship before a deal was negotiated, a senior US military officer said Saturday.
“The Indian Navy has expressed interest in the USS Nashville. Congress has not yet approved the ship for transfer (sale). That is likely to happen next year and we can then begin negotiations,” Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kohler, director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, told reporters here.
The Indian Navy had last month commissioned INS Jalashva, formerly the USS Trenton landing platform dock (LPD) it purchased for $53.5 million. The ship is expected to sail to India later this month from Norfolk, where it was extensively refitted after being decommissioned from the US Navy.
Kohler also admitted to a $5 billion cost escalation in the Jalashva deal.
“Both sides had agreed to control costs but unexpected issues arose. For instance, we had estimated that four ballast tanks needed work. It turned out to be twice the number,” he explained.
“There was the question of standards. We felt the tanks needed two coats of paint. The Indians said they needed four coats and we complied. Then, the cost of fuel had not been factored in. This alone cost $1 million. All this added up,” Kohler added.
The vessel was originally expected to cost $48.3 million. This has now gone up to $53.5 million.
Kohler also said the two navies had “learnt a lot by working together” on refitting the ship.
“I can say that Indian officers and sailors can serve as a model to their tremendous leadership abilities and their capacity to absorb technology,” he added.
“We’ve learnt a lot by working together,” Kohler maintained, adding: “The next time, we will be well prepared.”
The Indian Navy had sorely felt the need for a vessel like Jalashva in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as it found it difficult to berth its vessels carrying rescue material as the jetties in most of the affected areas had been damaged.
In such a situation, a ship like Jalashva would anchor offshore and unload personnel and material via the four mechanised landing craft and six helicopters the vessel carries.
For military operations, Jalashva is capable of carrying 900 troops in full combat gear.