make its drones and missiles more accurate" width="" height="" />make its drones and missiles more accurate" width="" height="" />
BECA is essentially an agreement between the US’ National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and India’s Ministry of Defence to share military information.
This includes maps, nautical charts, aeronautical charts, unclassified imagery, and other types of data. Within the agreement, there is a provision that allows for the sharing of classified information and the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the same information isn’t shared with any third parties.
All of this intelligence will provide India’s military with advanced navigational aid and geospatial information. This will improve the accuracy of its automated hardware systems and weapons like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones.
It’s the fourth and final ‘foundational’ agreement between the US and India. They serve as the framework for cooperation and interoperability between the US and India’s defence ministries.
The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) notes that even though the US reportedly shared intelligence with India during the Doklam issue, that cooperation was inherently limited by the lack of formal structures to enable rapid and secure dissemination of information.
BECA could be the next step in fine-tuning that process, especially concerning the tensions currently simmering between India and China in Eastern Ladakh.
