India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a significant four-day official visit to the United States from August 23 to August 26. The visit, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, signifies the growing momentum in India-US relations and defense collaborations.
During his trip, Singh will engage in high-level discussions with top US officials, including a bilateral meeting with Austin and a meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. These meetings are expected to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
One of the key aspects of Singh’s visit will be a meeting with the US defense industry. This meeting will focus on discussing ongoing and future defense collaborations, highlighting the increasing strategic partnership between the two countries in the defense sector.
Major Defense Procurements on the Agenda
Reports suggest that Singh’s talks with Austin will primarily focus on three crucial defense procurements:
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Drone Procurement:
India plans to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predators, including 15 for the Indian Navy and eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force. This acquisition, estimated to cost ₹ 40,000 lakh ($4 billion), underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its aerial surveillance and strike capabilities. The MQ-9B, manufactured by General Atomics, boasts a range of approximately 1,800 km and is currently used by the US Air Force and NATO allies.*
Stryker ICVs Joint Manufacturing:
India and the United States are in advanced talks to jointly manufacture the latest generation of Stryker armored infantry combat vehicles (ICVs). This collaboration, part of the defense-industrial cooperation roadmap, aims to bolster India’s ground forces while also fostering technological exchange and industrial development.*
Co-production of GE F414 Engines in India:
General Electric (GE), an American multinational corporation, has already signed an agreement with India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics to jointly manufacture GE F414 Fighter Jet Engines in India. These engines are destined for the indigenous Tejas Mark-2 fighter jets, contributing to India’s ongoing efforts to develop a self-reliant defense industry.Singh’s visit to the US is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in deepening the India-US defense partnership. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are likely to shape future collaborations and strengthen the strategic alliance between the two nations.
