The US and India are discussing possible opportunities for collaborative production programs, Reuters reported. Two of the programmes under discussion are the local assembly of RQ-11B mini UAVs and integration and manufacturing of mission packages designed for C-130J tactical transport planes, to be used for emergency response.
While Indo-American cooperation on major defence programmes has not yet succeeded, particularly due to the restricted US policy on defence export and technology transfer related to weapon systems, unmanned technology and defense electronics, it is believed that technologies related to mini-UAV systems that have been widely exported could be released to India. The Raven RQ-11B built by Aerovironment has been exported to 25 international operators, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Lebanon, Pakistan, Czech Republic and, most recently Canada.
The Indian military, government agencies and local law enforcement have multiple requirements for mini UAVs, although none have reached selections stage yet. The Indian interest attracted many UAV manufacturers from India and abroad. Matured as an operational, combat proven UAV system operated and maintained by soldiers, Raven could be suitable for part of these opportunities. However, the Raven is likely to be ‘over qualified’ for others, particularly those supporting law enforcement and security missions.
Given the foothold Aerovironment could gain in the Indian market, this opportunity could pave it’s path into the Indian market offering other systems that might be more suitable for other applications. The opportunity is likely to follow an agreement for local manufacturing of UAVs, signed by Dynamatic Technologies and AeroVironment Inc. Under the agreement signed in 2013 the two companies agreed to jointly pursue a number of business opportunities for potential customers including the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The cooperative programmes are being discussed between India and the US under the Defense Trade and technology Initiative (DTTI) signed in 2012 but never implemented so far. Frank Kendall, U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, will be making his fourth visit to India and meet Radha Krishna Mathur, and secretary (defense production) G Mohan Kumar prior to President Barack Obama visit to India that starts January 25. Kendall’s visit could promote collaboration on defence technologies and co-production of weapons systems in an effort to finalise the projects.
The US considers its defence dialogue with India a central element of its ‘Asia Pacific Pivot’ – a core component of Obama’s Defense Strategic Guidance announced in January 2012.
Source: Defense Update