64 US Companies in Aero India 2015

Bengaluru, Feb 18 (IANS) As many as 64 US companies including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, and Sikorsky are participating in the Aero India 2015 which commenced here Wednesday.

US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma Wednesday opened the US Pavilion at the Aero India, calling the exhibits "the best of US aviation and defence technology".

"Airshows like Aero India allow us to demonstrate our commitment to the strategic relationship with key international partners. And in 2015, the strategic relationship the United States has with India is one of our most important," Verma said.

The US display at Aero India includes an array of American military platforms and personnel, said a US embassy release.

"Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, and Sikorsky are among the 64 US companies that have set up pavilions at the Aero India show," it added.

The US aircraft on display include F-15C Eagles, F-16C Fighting Falcons, KC-135 tanker, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

The US participation in Aero India provides the US and Indian industry opportunities to strengthen military-to-military relations and invigorate defence cooperation.

According to the release, the continued security cooperation between the US and India will help safeguard against global instability, protect freedom of navigation in the air and sea, combat terrorism and violent extremism and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The US delegation at the Aero India 2015 includes senior officials from department of defence and department of state including Marcus Jadotte, assistant secretary of commerce for industry and analysis and Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.