The United States and India have renewed a 10-year agreement to jointly develop defense products, including advanced defense technologies, reports DefenseNews. The agreement incorporates for the first time a provision to co-produce weapons in India, along with transfer of technology through the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative.
Initially the two countries will co-produce the Raven UAV, and reconnaissance modules for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. More products under DTTI will be identified during this month’s visit by Frank Kendall, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. Other American technology requirements from the Indians could include aircraft carrier catapults, the development of four so-called pathfinder projects, and the development of jet engine technology.
USNI News reports that according to an agreement signed earlier this month as part of President Obama’s visit to the country, U.S. and India will “explore” the creation of a working group to share aircraft carrier technology and design. Though it is not clear which U.S. agencies would participate in the working group, partnering in any capacity with the U.S. on carrier development would be a boon to India’s development of its internal carrier program. Departing U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had said deeper defense cooperation, “will support stronger military-to-military engagement, including deeper maritime cooperation and increased opportunities in technology and trade.”
