US defence firms eye PM’s visit to tap Indian market

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New Delhi: The US arms industry maybe looking at increased order from the Indian defence establishment after the PM’s visit to the US next week. Most suppliers, who are looking for business in India, are expected to attend the official dinner to be hosted by US President Barack Obama.

Senior officers in the defence ministry said, “We are looking for certain items to enhance capabilities of platforms and the special forces. In addition there is a desire to draw on the US experience in mechanised warfare and aerial combat to hone both tactics and countermeasures and to identify shortcomings.”

The US is a very serious contender for the $10 billion multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) programme and for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk.2 engine as well as for the attack and heavy lift helicopters. It is a fair contender for the light helo contract, said sources.

“India wants US technology for avionics and weapons for air, land and sea platforms. In addition India wants US assistance in setting up warning systems for ballistic and cruise missile attack.” During the forthcoming visit to the US, Singh will meet with the Robert Gates, US defence secretary. “Both sides will discuss pending matters, but no agreement is likely to be inked,” said sources.

With defence ties intensifying, the US wants India to sign a military Logistics Support Agreement, pending for at least three years now, despite New Delhi’s hesitation.

Deputy defence secretary, William J Lynn, at a recently concluded two-day annual Defence Policy Group meeting, said there had been a full exchange of information on the agreement and that the US now expected India to “act”. Asked if that meant signing the agreement, he said yes.

The Defence Policy Group is the apex body that structures India-US military relations. Lynn said the two sides had intensified ties to such a level since a 10-year 2005 agreement that joint exercises and defence trade had now become “routine”. The American side is of the view that joint exercises, maritime security, defence trade and information exchange between the two militaries can increase substantially if the Logistics Support Agreement and a Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement are signed.

Noting the enhanced co-operation in defence under the Defence Co-operation Framework Agreement of 2005, external affairs minister SM Krishna and Secretary Hilary Clinton earlier this year reiterated the commitment of both governments to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of defence.