Make in India

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has handpicked six top American CEOs — some of whom have been critical of India in the past — for separate one-on-one meetings, in addition to a breakfast interaction with 11 other corporate heads.

Of the six CEOs, Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd C Blankfein and General Electric Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt have in the past expressed their frustration over the retrospective tax legislation and bureaucratic wrangles. The other CEOs who Modi will meet exclusively are Boeing Chairman and CEO W James McNerney Jr, BlackRock Chairman and CEO Laurence D Fink, and IBM Chairman and CEO Ginni Rometty. The head of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is also expected to meet him.

Modi's US visit, from September 26-30, is scheduled a day after he launches his 'Make in India' campaign here on Thursday. The campaign, to be launched at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi with cabinet ministers, secretaries and Indian CEOs in attendance, will also be aired across Indian embassies and high commissions abroad.

The breakfast meeting on September 29 is expected to be attended by Google Executive Chairman Eric E Schmidt, Carlyle Group Co-Founder and Co-CEO David M Rubenstein, Cargill President and CEO David W MacLennan, Merck & Co CEO Kenneth C Frazier, Hospira Chairman John C Staley, Citigroup CEO Michael L Corbat, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Dough Oberhelman, MasterCard President and CEO Ajay Banga, and Pepsico Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi among others. Modi is scheduled to meet the other six CEOs individually on the same day.

The PM will also attend a reception hosted by the US-India Business Council on September 30, at which about 300 members of the business community are expected to be present. Sources said these engagements will be a follow-up to his 'Make-in-India' programme.

At his meetings with US President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel on September 29-30, Modi will raise the issue of increased trade and investment between the two countries. India will focus on issues of defence, maritime security, science and technology, and areas of cooperation in third countries. The PM is also slated to meet US Speaker John Boehner and leaders from both sides of the aisle.

Apart from these, his meeting with former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton is significant, with the latter being considered a possible presidential candidate. MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin pointed out that the PM is "forward-looking", adding, "if you understand the drift" — seeming to hint at Hillary's future plans.

A total of 35 engagements have been planned during Modi's stay in New York and Washington DC. On September 27, Modi is scheduled to visit the 9/11 memorial in New York, after which he is set to go to the United Nations headquarters to address the 69th annual session of the UN General Assembly, where he will meet UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon.

The next day is dedicated to the Indian diaspora. Modi is scheduled to address about 20,000 Indian-Americans at the Madison Square garden, an event which will be watched live by several thousand people at the iconic Times Square. Ahead of his main summit at the White House on September 30, Modi will visit the Martin Luther King Memorial and Lincoln Memorial in Washington and pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's statue in front of the Indian Embassy.

He will also interact with leading US foreign policy opinion-makers at the Council on Foreign Relations, a top American think-tank. In his meetings with leaders like American business magnate and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the focus will be on their experience in building smart cities.

- See more at: For Make in India, it's Talk to America | The Indian Express | Page 99

 

[Srinivas_K]

PM Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign makes big splash in China

BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign made a big splash in China as large number of investors flocked to the special INVESTMENT promotion events organised by Indian missions highlighting the country's fast-changing investment liberalisation process.

Over 250 investors, officials as well as journalists attended the event in Beijing in which Modi's speech made in New Delhi was screened with elaborate presentations from Indian Ambassador Ashok Kantha and TRADE Councillor Namgya Khampa.


A special business event and roundtable discussion on 'Investing in India's Manufacturing SECTOR' was held to seek China's investments in the backdrop of $20 billion commitment made during the just concluded visit of President Xi Jinping. China will INVESTMENT in two industrial parks besides railway modernisation.

"The event is very constructive and fruitful. Especially Modi's remarks gave us clear guideline and gave us encouraging signal that Indian market is increasingly open," Gao Ya, External Communication Manager of Chinese firm TBEA which had INVESTED in Gujarat.

Chinese investors will play more important role in India in the coming ten years and there will be more Chinese investments in India, he told PTI after the event.

"There is no doubt Chinese investments in India will grow. China's manufacturers at all levels are looking for opportunities abroad. India is number one priority, the best priority as it is second largest MARKET after China," he said.

He said Modi's speech brought about sense of clarification about India's commitment to promote foreign investment.

"Before there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge about India and after Modi's speech and based on our reading India was more open than China in 1980s," he said.

$20 billion announced by President Xi is only the beginning, more will follow, he said.

India has many advantage in terms of labour, young people and open culture, he said adding that foreign investors expects more liberalised customs, visa and licence regime.

Jack Huan, an official of the China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, said it may be an opportune time for Chinese firms to ENTER Indian markets it is good to hear Indian Prime Minister inviting Chinese and other investors from all over the world.

PM Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign makes big splash in China - Economic Times

 

[Ray]

India-Russia talks on to finalise copter deal

A Kamov helicopter parked on the deck of INS Vikramaditya.

Following the in-principle agreement reached by India and Russia for the production of Russian helicopters in India, both sides are carrying out discussions to work out the details to quickly conclude a deal.

Initially the helicopters will be used to cater to the requirements of the Indian armed forces and only after that will exports happen, Russian embassy officials told The Hindu.

This effectively means that the Utility Helicopter deal which was earlier cancelled as a global tender and changed into "Buy and Make" category under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) will go the Russian way.

The Russian Deputy Premier Dmitry Rogozin who accompanied the Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 11 has said that "the understanding is to assemble 400 advanced Kamov-226T helicopters per year built by Russian Technologies in India".

No partner has been identified from the Indian side for partnering and as of now it is open to both public and private sector. "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is a major player but private sector is also part of the negotiations" sources told The Hindu. However embassy officials did not identify those private players. Defence Ministry officials said the details are being worked out.

On the operational front Russian choppers are known for their ruggedness and Indian Armed Forces have been using them for decades which will help in their quick integration. Russian Mi-17 choppers are the mainstay of the Indian Air Force used in diverse roles from search and rescue to VIP transport.

On the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft of which there was no mention in the recent joint statement, embassy officials have said negotiations to sort out the work share are going on and an agreement is likely as early as January.

Russian officials said that Russia is open for equal work share but stated that "Russia has problems with the Indian demand. If India has the ability to provide certain design knowhow and technologies we are open for equal work. But this may not be so as seen with the case of Light Combat Program (LCA) and the aircraft under development is a Fifth Generation program."

On the new line of submarines under Project-75I, Russia is open to technology transfer and joint production of diesel-electric submarines. India has submitted its requirements and the Russian side responded with attractive options, sources said.

Russian officials felt that, for advanced defence equipment, India and Russia should reach a governmental agreement under the Inter-Governmental framework on similar lines that India has with the US.

Keywords: India-Russia deal, helicopter deal, Russian helicopters, helicopter production, Russian Mi-17 choppers
India-Russia talks on to finalise copter deal - The Hindu

Russia is in dire straits.

Now, Russia is in an ideal position to get concessions out of them.

 

[pmaitra]

The picture in the article is for representational purposes only.

It is indeed a Kamov, but not a Kamov-226.

Kamov-226

Kamov-226 Schematic

 

[cobra commando]

:ranger: not so fast:
Russia May Have To Compete With Airbus And Bell For Indian Helicopter Tender

 

[sathya]

Thank god , atleast tender is being issued.

Hopefully only limited quantity will be made around 200, giving sufficient space for LUH.

I was shocked to hear the loser of Light chopper contract not only winning but also taking the LUH orders too..

I prefer to see all 400, LUH

 

[sorcerer]

India Invites Russian Defense Enterprises to Join 'Make in India' Program

The ambitious Make in India program plans to attract financing to 25 sectors of the economy, with 100 percent direct foreign investments allowed in most areas. The program aims at transforming India into one of the world's industrial leaders.

NEW DELHI, January 21 (Sputnik) — India's Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar invited Russian defense enterprises to participate in a new initiative by the Indian government titled Make in India, the Indian Cabinet said in a statement Wednesday.

"Mr. Parrikar mentioned India's policy of 'Make in India' and sought Russian defence enterprises' participation in a big way," the statement issued after Parrikar's talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu read.

In September 2014, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented to the country's business community the ambitious Make in India project, a program designed to transform the country into one of the world's industrial leaders. Through this initiative, India plans to attract financing to 25 sectors of the economy, from tourism to mining, with 100 percent direct foreign investments allowed in most areas.

A source in India's Defense Ministry told RIA Novosti that Indian defense companies are currently searching for potential Russian partners to cooperate on the new initiative.

On Wednesday, Shoigu visited New Delhi, where he held talks with his Indian counterpart and participated in the 14th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation, which aims at boosting Russia's military and counterterrorism cooperation with its South Asian partner.

The defense minister also visited the joint defense enterprise BrahMos Aerospace Limited, where he became acquainted with missile weapons produced by the company.

India Invites Russian Defense Enterprises to Join 'Make in India' Program / Sputnik International

 

[Latika_singer]

Russia and India Relations is improving...

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Make in India must help reduce import dependence of defence manufacturing sector


By Santosh Mehrotra
India is the largest importer of defence equipment in the world. It imports 70% of its weapons and technology, and this has its own costs, the kickbacks and corruption being only one of them. Between 2004-08 and 2009-13, India's share of international arms imports increased from 7% to 14%. Russia was the largest supplier (75.7%) of India's defence imports, the US a distant second (6.8%).

This import dependence needs to change with a focus on 'Make in India', so that India makes at least 50% of its defence equipment in less than a decade. It will save foreign exchange, build technological capacity for civilian manufacturing and grow new skills. If we export defence equipment, it can generate forex. Just as India's space missions and nuclear R&D have dual civil-military use, so does defence manufacturing.

India has purchased weapons worth around $10 billion over the last five years from the US, but without any transfer-of-technology (ToT) clauses. Future acquisitions should include ToT clause. The aim should be to make India a design, development, manufacturing and export hub for defence equipment, just as China succeeded in doing so between 2000 and 2010. Experts report that China was at the stage India is in now in the late 1990s, a situation it transformed within a decade.
The Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) signed on January 22, an earlier agreement with India the US extended during the Obama visit, is to pursue co-development and co-production in four projects (two involving US government and two with US companies) to advance the DTTI. They will explore aircraft carrier technology-sharing and design, and possible cooperation on development of jet engine technology.

For some 50 years after Independence, no private sector participated in the manufacture of Indian-made defence equipment. Indian defence production was confined to Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) till 2001. Decades of defence ties with the Soviet Union/Russia did not result in an Indian domestic defence industry. However, like the emergence of an automobile industry in India in the last two decades, this can be changed through growing private sector participation.

But the defence industry, unlike the automobile sector, operates in a monopsonist (single demand) market with government as the only buyer, leading to greater business unpredictability for private players in defence, both foreign and domestic. India needs to encourage exports to reduce this unpredictability. With the added constraint of an FDI cap of 26% till now (raised to 49%), India received only $5 million in defence FDI over the past decade.

In 2013, the US offered 10 joint production projects to India, including a maritime helicopter, a naval gun, a surface-to-air missile system, a scatterable anti-tank system and a mindset change in favour of TOT to India in defence. New Delhi had decided recently on a defence equipment policy regime. Indigenous content, eg. 30%, is to be achieved on an overall cost basis, as well as in core components i.e. the basic equipment, manufacturer's recommended spares, special tools and test equipment taken together.

Not surprisingly, large Indian companies (Tata, Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro), have entered into joint ventures with leading foreign defence companies. Thirty licensed private companies commenced commercial production and about 23 joint ventures, involving public and private companies, had been established till 2012.

For Make in India in defence, FDI will be needed for heavy capital and technology requirements, to build global supply chains involving multiple vendors in India, to rapidly implement projects to avoid obsolescence. We will have to wait to see if the operationalisation of the DTII yields results, now that the US has agreed also to an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA). Washington backing the APAs could well reduce a potential tax-related hurdle in securing US investment generally, including in defence.

But above all, to become a major defence manufacturer, India needs to reexamine its structure of governing defence production, as the Chinese did in 2000. Earlier, the Chinese defence industry was separated, Soviet-style, between R&D and manufacturing units.

The Chinese leadership allowed the military a central role in overseeing the defence industry. With end-users involved, the result was a surge in innovation. In 1998, the Chinese defence industry filed for 313 patents; in 2010, 15,000.
India's defence industry today mirrors its Chinese counterpart in 1998. The R&D element (the DRDO) functions separately from the manufacturing segment (the defence PSUs). That has to change.
(The writer is Professor of Economics, JNU)

Economic Times | Blogs

 

[kumar2310s]

Russia is a tried and tested partner. I hope India dont leave Russia during its trying times. That partnership is kept alive. Joint production in india can be used for export purpose also. India can be a face for selling these jointly produced defence items. It will be a win-win situation for both India and Russia as Russia will also get foreign exchange.

 

[Ray]

USSR has been a tested partner of India.

The same cannot be said of Russia.

They have fallen short of their promises and have been a little tardy in their delivery. Admiral Groshkov and T 90 are cases in point. Also the PAK FA,fifth-generation fighter which is a part of India's Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program.

But if Russia accelerates its promised done deals, then maybe there will be more trust and more defence collaborations.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Corporate, Business, International politics, Strategic interest ..

Not friends or anything existed with anyone else ..

Russia and India Relations is improving...

 

[sorcerer]

IAI, Alpha Design Technologies in UAV deal for India

BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Israel, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The production and marketing in India of mini-unmanned aerial vehicles is to be undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries and Alpha Design Technologies.

IAI said its agreement with the Indian company covers its Bird-Eye 400 and Bird-Eye 650 systems as well as other UAVs.

"IAI's teaming agreement with Alpha follows India's policy for "Buy and make India," said Shaul Shahar, IAI vice president and general manager of the Military Aircraft Group. "Our unique mini-UAS have proved exceptional operational capabilities. IAI's knowledge in producing the world's most advanced and innovative unmanned aerial systems, with Alpha's know-how and access to users will create a strong, fruitful partnership for the benefit of India's defense and security organizations."

The Bird-Eye 400 is a man-portable, rapid-launch system. It is electric powered and carries a high-resolution video camera for day and night surveillance images. The 650 system is a larger version aircraft.

"The important vision of 'Make in India' is being made fully effective by this joint effort," said Col. H. S. Shankar, chairman and managing director of Alpha Design Technologies. "Alpha will meet the huge market in India and will examine further, later exports by Alpha, through IAI to various countries."

Israeli, Indian company in production, marketing deal for UAVs - UPI.com

 

[sorcerer]

Re: Make In India- Israel IAI and Indian Alpha Design Technologies in

Bird Eye 400

The Bird-Eye 400 system is an optimal solution for low echelon forces to obtain real time intelligence, independent of higher echelon sources.

The system is equipped in 2 backpacks and consists of:

• 3 UAV platforms
• EO& IR payloads
• Portable ground control system (PGCS)
• Data link
• Power source and repair kit
• It is Man-portable with fast field deployment by a team of two.
  

The Bird-Eye 400 system main features and capabilities are:

• Underbelly real-time video camera for obstacle-free maximal coverage of high resolution day or night imagery
• Unique patented turn-over landing maneuver to secure payload during landing phase
• Bungee or hand launch
• Electrical propulsion for minimal noise signature and audio detection probability
• Fully automated flight including takeoff and landing
• Safe, reliable and easy operation
• Low lifecycle cost

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) - Military Malat Products Bird Eye 400

 

[sorcerer]

Re: Make In India- Israel IAI and Indian Alpha Design Technologies in

Bird Eye 650

The Bird-Eye 650 system is an advanced solution for low echelon forces to obtain real time intelligence, independent of higher echelon sources. It is based on the operational experience and knowledge accumulated with the Bird-Eye 400.

The system is equipped in 2 backpacks and consists of:

• 3 UAV platforms
• EO&IR payloads
• Portable ground control system (PGCS)
• Data link
• Power source and repair kit
• It is man-portable with fast field deployment by a team of two.

The Bird-Eye 650 system main features are:

• Real-time video camera for obstacle-free maximal coverageof high resolution day or night imagery
• Unique patented turn-over landing maneuver to secure payload during landing phase
• Bungee or mini-launcher take-off
• Electrical propulsion for minimal noise signature and audio detection probability
• Fully automated flight including takeoff and landing
• Safe, reliable and easy operation
• Low lifecycle cost

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) - Military Malat Products Bird Eye 650

 

[sorcerer]

Make In India - Russia for Production of Light Helicopters Ka-226T

Russia Plans To Setup Joint Production Of Light Helicopters Ka-226T In India

At the 10th international aerospace exhibition Aero India 2015, planned to be held from the 18th to 22nd of February in Bangalore, the delegation from "Rosoboronexport" is expected to discuss projects on the joint production of weapons and military equipment, reports the company's press service.

"Currently, "Rosoboronexport" is in discussions with its Indian partners for a possible organization of co-production of light helicopters on the basis of the Ka-226T in India", reports the press service of "Rosoboronexport".

"In the high-tech aviation industry, we are implementing the largest and the most ambitious projects with India. Our cooperation is fully consistent with the policy pursued by the Government of India of "Make in India", aimed at the development of the national defense industry", said Sergey Goreslavsky, Deputy General Director of "Rosoboronexport" and head of the delegation at the exhibition.


According to him, "it is the joint development and production of technology that displays the key vector in the development of strategic relations and indicates of the high level of trust between the two countries."

Specialists from "Rosoboronexport" expect an increased interest from the side of Indian professionals on the military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A and the Mi-17V-5 helicopters.

"The Indian side is also expected to discuss the future course of the program to equip the Indian Air Force with Su-30MKI fighters", reported the press service.

The report notes that for delegations from other countries of the region, experts from "Rosoboronexport" will give a presentation of trainer- combat aircraft – the Yak-130, combat helicopters Mi-28NE, Ka-52 and Mi-35M amphibious aircraft Be-200 and other aircraft-based weapons.


Read more: http://hindi.sputniknews.com/russia/20150216/1013459259.html#ixzz3S1mPBO2N

 

[sgarg]

Well the GOI has not been able to follow through on Russian proposals. It makes a lot of sense to establish Ka226 and Mi-17 lines in India. Such lines will provides the numbers that Indian army needs in case of conflict.

The government is looking for what can be obtained from the West while developing local options.

Not much progress is expected on Russian joint projects in the short run. Things will be clear only by middle of year.

 

[sorcerer]

India and Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft Deal

New Delhi and Tokyo are inching closer to finalizing a deal for the sale of Japan's US-2 amphibious aircraft to India.

As India and Japan continue to strategically converge amid mutual fears regarding China's rise, they have deepened their defense cooperation. Notably, India will likely be Japan's first export partner for military hardware under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's principles on defense equipment exports. The Japanese government recently lifted its decades-old self-imposed ban on exporting weaponry to other countries.

The two governments look all set to conclude a landmark deal for the sale of Japanese amphibious search and rescue (SAR) aircraft, a deal that has been in the works for years. India will likely purchase 12 ShinMaywa US-2 short take-off and landing (STOL) SARs this year (down from an earlier estimate of 15). Negotiations for the sale of the US-2 began in 2011 under the Democratic Party of Japan, first under Prime Minister Naoto Kan and then under Yoshihiko Noda.

The US-2 itself is a reliable and capable surveillance aircraft with a range of around 4,700 km, capable of transporting its crew and cargo from Indian territory to anywhere in the Indian Ocean region within 3 hours; its most notable feature is its ability to take-off and land at sea. Once acquired, India will likely station the US-2s off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, using the aircraft to conduct surveillance of the eastern Indian Ocean region. Indian military sources have also told the press that the US-2 will allow the Indian military to support friendly vessels in Southeast Asian waters, potentially detecting pirates and other threats.

Additionally, the US-2"²s versatility and ability to land at sea make it well-suited to assist military and civilian ships that break down at sea or need emergency assistance. The search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and humanitarian assistance applications of the US-2 make it a compelling option for the Indian Navy. Additionally, amid Indian fears that the Chinese Navy will add the eastern Indian Ocean into its regular area of operation, the US-2"²s surveillance capabilities haven't been a tough sell domestically.

Now, I will admit that I predicted early last year, following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to New Delhi as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebrations, that the US-2 deal was a fait accompli and would likely end up completed soon. Sadly, I underestimated the complexity of India's demands for co-production and domestic assembly. Although the deal is politically uncontroversial in both New Delhi and Tokyo, the technicalities of exporting the Japanese SAR aircraft have bogged down a swift conclusion of the ShinMaywacontract.

Recent reports note that ShinMaywa officials are optimistic about concluding the deal in 2015. Aviation Week reports that an Indian order for nine US-2s is likely to go through this year. IHS Jane's 360 notes that the deal is waiting to clear a series of bureaucratic hurdles, including approval by India's Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). Jane's also quotes senior Indian Navy officials who noted that the $1.65 billion earmarked for the US-2 acquisition was a prominent inclusion in a December 2014 meeting of India's Services Capital Acquisition Plan Categorization Committee (SCAPCC). Under current plans, the Indian Navy would directly import two US-2s and eventually license and assemble an additional 10 in collaboration with an Indian manufacturer. There is a possibility that New Delhi may expand the order to purchase as many as 15-18 units.

The US-2 may not be the most prestigious or technologically impressive piece of hardware, but its acquisition by the Indian Navy will be an important milestone in India-Japan relations. India will have become the first country to purchase Japanese military hardware following the lifting of Japan's self-imposed ban on weapons exports. Japan will have successfully concluded a deal for the export of defense technology, building momentum for other deals around the Asia-Pacific. Given the broader expansion of defense ties and cooperation on maritime security between India and Japan, the conclusion of such a deal would send an important message to China. While in Tokyo last fall, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that India and Japan "intend to give a new thrust and direction to our defense cooperation, including collaboration in defense technology and equipment, given our shared interest in peace and stability and maritime security." The conclusion of the US-2 deal is a surefire way to achieve that in the short-term.

India and Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft Deal | The Diplomat

 

[Tshering22]

Re: Make in India: India - Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft

India and Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft Deal

New Delhi and Tokyo are inching closer to finalizing a deal for the sale of Japan's US-2 amphibious aircraft to India.

As India and Japan continue to strategically converge amid mutual fears regarding China's rise, they have deepened their defense cooperation. Notably, India will likely be Japan's first export partner for military hardware under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's principles on defense equipment exports. The Japanese government recently lifted its decades-old self-imposed ban on exporting weaponry to other countries.

The two governments look all set to conclude a landmark deal for the sale of Japanese amphibious search and rescue (SAR) aircraft, a deal that has been in the works for years. India will likely purchase 12 ShinMaywa US-2 short take-off and landing (STOL) SARs this year (down from an earlier estimate of 15). Negotiations for the sale of the US-2 began in 2011 under the Democratic Party of Japan, first under Prime Minister Naoto Kan and then under Yoshihiko Noda.

The US-2 itself is a reliable and capable surveillance aircraft with a range of around 4,700 km, capable of transporting its crew and cargo from Indian territory to anywhere in the Indian Ocean region within 3 hours; its most notable feature is its ability to take-off and land at sea. Once acquired, India will likely station the US-2s off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, using the aircraft to conduct surveillance of the eastern Indian Ocean region. Indian military sources have also told the press that the US-2 will allow the Indian military to support friendly vessels in Southeast Asian waters, potentially detecting pirates and other threats.

Additionally, the US-2"²s versatility and ability to land at sea make it well-suited to assist military and civilian ships that break down at sea or need emergency assistance. The search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and humanitarian assistance applications of the US-2 make it a compelling option for the Indian Navy. Additionally, amid Indian fears that the Chinese Navy will add the eastern Indian Ocean into its regular area of operation, the US-2"²s surveillance capabilities haven't been a tough sell domestically.

Now, I will admit that I predicted early last year, following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to New Delhi as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebrations, that the US-2 deal was a fait accompli and would likely end up completed soon. Sadly, I underestimated the complexity of India's demands for co-production and domestic assembly. Although the deal is politically uncontroversial in both New Delhi and Tokyo, the technicalities of exporting the Japanese SAR aircraft have bogged down a swift conclusion of the ShinMaywacontract.

Recent reports note that ShinMaywa officials are optimistic about concluding the deal in 2015. Aviation Week reports that an Indian order for nine US-2s is likely to go through this year. IHS Jane's 360 notes that the deal is waiting to clear a series of bureaucratic hurdles, including approval by India's Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). Jane's also quotes senior Indian Navy officials who noted that the $1.65 billion earmarked for the US-2 acquisition was a prominent inclusion in a December 2014 meeting of India's Services Capital Acquisition Plan Categorization Committee (SCAPCC). Under current plans, the Indian Navy would directly import two US-2s and eventually license and assemble an additional 10 in collaboration with an Indian manufacturer. There is a possibility that New Delhi may expand the order to purchase as many as 15-18 units.

The US-2 may not be the most prestigious or technologically impressive piece of hardware, but its acquisition by the Indian Navy will be an important milestone in India-Japan relations. India will have become the first country to purchase Japanese military hardware following the lifting of Japan's self-imposed ban on weapons exports. Japan will have successfully concluded a deal for the export of defense technology, building momentum for other deals around the Asia-Pacific. Given the broader expansion of defense ties and cooperation on maritime security between India and Japan, the conclusion of such a deal would send an important message to China. While in Tokyo last fall, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that India and Japan "intend to give a new thrust and direction to our defense cooperation, including collaboration in defense technology and equipment, given our shared interest in peace and stability and maritime security." The conclusion of the US-2 deal is a surefire way to achieve that in the short-term.

India and Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft Deal | The Diplomat

We must pursue this deal big time.

Also, the more Japanese become free of American stranglehold, the better we must collaborate with Japan militarily.

A strong, independent Japan is a powerful source of technology and reliability.

Similarly, we must also look at South Korean technology. They are equally good.

 

[sayareakd]

Re: Make in India: India - Japan Inch Closer to Surveillance Aircraft

Buy them quickly and then move to next deal.