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USIBC Launches 10th Aerospace & Defense Mission to Deepen U.S.-India Defense & Security Partnership

Dépèche transmise le 8 février 2011 par Business Wire

USIBC Launches 10th Aerospace & Defense Mission to Deepen U.S.-India Defense & Security Partnership

BANGALORE, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) launched a landmark 10th Executive Aerospace & Defense Mission to Aero India 2011, to mark the deepened defense and security partnership between the United States and India. The Mission, led by Admiral, USN (Ret.) Walter F. Doran, President, Raytheon Asia & Member of USIBC’s Board of Directors and Susan Maraghy, Corporate Vice President, International Civil Programs and Industrial Participation, Lockheed Martin, brings a delegation of America’s premier aerospace & defense companies once again to India’s aerospace hub in Karnataka. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the host and organizer for Aero India 2011 and USIBC’s partner on the ground.

“Military to military ties have expanded greatly, counterterrorism collaboration has increased and dialogue on regional security issues has improved between our countries. There is logic and momentum to a deeper defense relationship between India and the United States to address global security needs”

Speaking to reporters at Chief Minister Yeddyurappa’s residence, Admiral Doran and Ms. Maraghy expressed optimism for this growing partnership. “Military to military ties have expanded greatly, counterterrorism collaboration has increased and dialogue on regional security issues has improved between our countries. There is logic and momentum to a deeper defense relationship between India and the United States to address global security needs,” the mission leaders said.

Senior executives representing America’s top defense companies, including ATK, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems Inc, Deloitte, The Boeing Company, General Electric, General Dynamics, Honeywell, Infotech Enterprises, ITT Defense International, L-3 Communications, McCahon Law Offices, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, PwC, Rockwell Collins, Textron Systems, The Cohen Group along with Taurus Agile Technology Corporation (P) Ltd from India, are participating in Aero India 2011. Combined with U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke’s trade delegation, the United States has brought the single largest industrial delegation to the show.

The United States will be showcasing Lockheed Martin’s F-16IN Super Viper and C130-J as well as Boeing’s F/A-l81N Super Hornet and C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transport aircraft. The F-16 and F-18 are both vying for India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and USIBC believes that an American selection on the MMRCA program would dramatically transform the U.S.-India strategic relationship for generations to come and result in India obtaining the finest technical solution at the best value.

“The recent procurements – of Lockheed Martin C-130J by the Indian Air Force, Boeing VVIP aircraft for the PM, Textron Sensor Fused Weapon and the decision to finalize a $4.1 billion sale of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transport aircraft – are all important, as markers of Indian confidence in the U.S. as a long term defense sales partner as well as a symbol of India’s expanding strategic interests,” said Ron Somers, President of USIBC.

Referencing U.S.–India high technology cooperation, Mr. Somers also added that “as the United States and India deepen their partnership in defense and security cooperation, thousands of highly skilled jobs will be created in India and in the United States, spurred by technology trade, co-production and high-end manufacturing. This is a “win-win” for both countries”.

The U.S.-India Business Council, formed in 1975 at the request of the Government of India and the U.S. Government to advance commercial ties between the world’s two largest free-market democracies, is hosted under the aegis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. For more information please visit www.usibc.com.