US, India jv to make unmanned drones |
India and the US are set to announce joint manufacturing of the Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Bengaluru from later 2015, giving New Delhi a slice of the $3 billion order book for the world`s most advanced hand-launched drone. The terms of the deal will be unveiled during President Barack Obama`s visit to Delhi starting January 25. USA will end production of the 10-km range UAV at an American site and move production to a Bengaluru-based joint venture, which will become the global supplier. Seven countries have lined up to buy the UAV, currently built by US firm AeroVironment, with pending orders totaling $3 billion. Not only will the Indian company supply the remaining orders but jointly develop a 18-km extended range UAV with flying endurance increased from four to six hours. The all-weather, all-terrain, battery-operated UAV is used to make the battlefield more transparent and to target enemy armoured columns and personnel. The other technology cleared for transfer to India is the `roll-on, roll-off` intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance module for the Lockheed Martin-manufactured C-130 J transport aircraft to India. Meanwhile, India and US have renewed discussions on two military pacts, one of which entails logistic support, refueling and berthing facilities to each other warships and aircraft. Washington has been pushing these so-called `foundational agreements`, the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) and the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum Agreement (CISMOA) for over a decade now. The previous UPA government, particularly the then Defense Minister A K Antony, had remained steadfast in its opposition to the pacts. The Left, too, had contended they would adversely impact the country`s strategic autonomy. The US apparently fancies its chances once again with the Modi government. Washington has made some initial forays on the two pacts to India ahead of the Obama visit. But no decision has been taken on the pacts. India wants to know what tangible benefits or net gains it will get on inking the pacts.
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