Even as six contenders for the $11 billion 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCAs) await verdict on the recently-concluded trials, the US administration has sought a bigger share for hi-tech American products in a bid to boost bilateral defence, commercial and trade relations with India.
In a meeting with minister of commerce and industry Anand Sharma on the sidelines of the Indo-US CEO Forum, US commerce secretary Gary Locke urged India to favourably consider the bids by Boeing and Lockheed, two contenders for the Indian Air Force?s MMRCA deal.
?The Indian government?s aircraft deal is very important to the US with vital implications for our bilateral defence, commercial and trade relations,? the US commerce department said. To further expand its footprints in India, defence major Boeing Company last week announced an agreement to acquire Narus Networks, a provider of real-time network traffic and analytics software based in California. Narus also has a strong presence in Bangalore.
?This acquisition is another step forward in our strategy to develop integrated solutions for better network visibility, threat detection, and cybersecurity,? said Roger Krone, president of Boeing Network & Space Systems.
?Narus? India team and its unique capabilities to secure complex networks will be a significant benefit to Boeing and our customers,? he said. In addition to supporting cyber activities within Boeing Network & Space Systems, Narus? network-centric technology also will be applied to Boeing?s smart grid energy work, the secure networking of the aircraft maker?s ground, air and space products and the defence of its network.