US Defence Mission to participate in Aero India 2007

Seeking to consolidate the momentum of the recent US-India strategic partnership, an executive defence mission would be arriving in India to participate in the country's major air show - Aero India 2007.

The Mission, launched by the US-India Business Council, would be led by William S Cohen, former US Secretary of Defence and CEO of The Cohen Group, and Ambassador Thomas R Pickering of The Boeing Company.

It would essentially showcase American excellence in technology superiority, reliability, and long-term partnership at the prestigious show, which would be organised between February 4 and February 11, 2007.

"Aero India 2007 provides an excellent platform for US aerospace companies to build alliances, find partners, and share cutting-edge technology with India. This is the first time in history that the US Government has approved such a large fleet of military aircraft for static and flying display in a major air show," the USIBC has said in a release.

Senior officials from the Department of Defence will also attend the show with a view to demonstrate US commitment to India as a long-term partner.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are represented by senior executives on the mission, and have planned elaborate chalets to entertain their customers and dignitaries. Boeing will showcase the F/A-18F, C-17 transport aircraft, and Chinook heavy-lift chopper. Lockheed Martin will showcase the F-16, C-130j, and P-3c.

"USIBCFs 7th defence mission to India comes on the heels of unprecedented US-India strategic defence cooperation, as embodied in the successful passage of the Civilian Nuclear Legislation.

Led by USIBC, the American business community continues to serve as the leading advocate for a stronger strategic partnership with India," the organisation said.

In addition to Boeing and Lockheed Martin, companies on the Mission include Honeywell, General Electric, Raytheon, The Cohen Group, United Technologies Corporation/Pratt & Whitney, Bell Helicopter Textron, Emergent Bio-Solutions, L-3 Communications, and The Fremont Group.

"The US-India Business Council is pleased to once again accompany America's finest companies to India, where we can demonstrate our commitment as a long-term partner in the aerospace and defence sectors of India. US industry looks forward to working closely with India's defence and aerospace establishments to advance its critical defense systems," said Ron Somers, President of the USIBC.