USIBC supports defense technology, trade initiative to "Make With India"

The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) today launched its 15th landmark Defense Executive Mission to Aero India 2015, bringing over 25 executives from American and Indian defense industry to participate in India's premier air show, the first to be held under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar's leadership.

USIBC's Executive Mission is led by Lt. General (Retd.) Jeff Kohler, Vice President, International Business Development, Boeing Defense Space and Security, and Jim Gribbon, Regional Vice President for Asia, Lockheed Martin International.

USIBC's Executive Mission to Aero India takes place less than one month after President Obama's historic visit to India, whereby bilateral security ties were strengthened through the signing of a renewed 10 year extension to the Defense Framework Agreement. USIBC aims to promote and support both Governments' recent commitment to pursue the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) which will immediately focus on industrial co-production and co-development of "pathfinder" projects.

Lt. General (Retd.) Kohler and Mr. Gribbon expressed an enduring optimism towards the growing bilateral defense partnership.

"Both U.S. and Indian Governments have committed to a new path forward in our two countries' bilateral defense cooperation. While India's military modernization requirements require cutting-edge solutions with long-term support, American industry is looking at opportunities, particularly in defense areas, to partner closely with Indian industry along the way" said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kohler.

"While the U.S. - India defense relationship is a relatively new relationship, it has an extraordinary depth, and is multifaceted in scope. American industry shares a long-term commitment to team with Indian industry and to meet Indian security requirements, but it is also notable that this partnership with Indian industry will increasingly be leveraged to meet U.S. and global defense industry requirements" noted Gribbon.

USIBC again brings the largest industry delegation to Aero India 2015, which is comprised of over 25 senior executives representing America's top defense companies, including Ametek, ATK, BAE Systems Inc, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, General Electric, General Atomics, Honeywell, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, Sikorsky, Textron Systems, Telephonics Corporation, and several others who will be present at Aero India 2015. The United States again has the largest foreign exhibitor presence at the show.

"USIBC's 15th Defense Executive Mission to Aero India is focused on advancing opportunities in technology sharing, co-development, and joint production of next-generation defense systems" said Diane Farrell, Acting President of USIBC.

On display at Aero India will be 7 foreign military aircraft, 5 of which are American. There will also be a significant American presence amongst the civil fixed wing and rotorcraft segment on display.

USIBC's Executive Mission will tour the Dynamatic Technologies facility in Bangalore, which serves as the single source supplier of major airframe assemblies for the Bell 407 GX and 407 GT. Dynamatic Technologies is also on contract to manufacture the aft pylon and cargo ramp assemblies for Boeing's CH-47F Chinook.

As a part of the Executive Mission, USIBC will partner with India's Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to host a high level executive roundtable with leading executives from both American and Indian defense industries. Areas of discussion include the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and the implementation opportunities both American and Indian industries can leverage in order to support the landmark bilateral Government initiative.

USIBC is also hosting a high-level reception on behalf of U.S. Industry for all participants at the air show where U.S. Ambassador Richard Verma and India's Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju are the Chief Guests.

The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) was formed in 1975 at the request of the United States and Indian governments to advance two-way trade and deepen commercial ties. Today, USIBC is the premier business advocacy association comprised of nearly 350 of America's and India's top companies dedicated to enhancing the U.S.-India commercial relationship. Ajay Banga, President and CEO of MasterCard serves as chairman of USIBC.