U.S. ARMS BUZZ OVER DELHI

'U.S. ARMS BUZZ OVER DELHI'

US arms buzz over Delhi

By Gautam Datt Asianage

New Delhi, July 26 - The corridors of the defence establishment in New Delhi are abuzz with activity as India and the United States position themselves to enter a new era of cooperation.

The US has virtually thrown open the gates for the supply of military hardware to India. Up for sale is equipment ranging from advanced fighter jets and anti-missile defence systems to ships and spy planes. Wi-th the two governments settling policy issues, American companies are making inroads into the Indian arms bazar, resorting to extensive marketing to sell their products. Officials said developments are taking place at a fast pace and in a planned manner.

For instance, US companies are aggressively pursuing the Indian Air Force, which plans to buy 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MCRA). The US major Boeing, which manufactures F-18 fighters, has virtually pushed its way in to bid for the aircraft. When the IAF began hunting for a MRCA, it was not even looking at the Super Hornet as an option. But now, Boeing officials, who were in New Delhi last week to interact with IAF officials, said they have received a request for information.

However, there was no confirmation on the issue from the IAF, which had sought information only about the F-16, the MiG-29, the Mirage and the Grippen fighter. Of- ficials pointed out that American companies are more aggressive in approach than their European counterparts. After Boeing, Lock-heed Martin, which manufactures the F- 16 Fighting Falcon, is on its way to make a presentation.

The multi-billion dollar aircraft deal is only one aspect of growing Indo-US ties. There are many other offers that the Indian armed forces are keen to follow up after overcoming the initial hiccups of interacting with the Americans. A large amount of hardware has been offered to the Indian Navy which, traditionally, has relied on the Russians for warships and other equipment. If the deals materialise, then, for the first time, the Indian Na-vy will sail American mine-sweepers and landing decks.

Indian Navy officials said they were taking a serious look at the US offer to supply these ships. Talks are also slated on the possible purchase of the multi-mission maritime aircraft Boeing 737 P-8a. The Navy has already made it clear that it is looking to the US to fill the gap in its long-range maritime reconnaissance capabilities. The US has offered P3C Orions, for which the Navy has decided to float global tenders. Sea Hawks, early warning command and control systems and equipment for the Army's Special Forces are also on offer besides the Patriot anti-missile defence system.

If these deals materialise, the US will emerge as one of the biggest arms suppliers to India. The defence trade between the two sides has not grown much in the last 10 years. The last substantial deal was finalised in 2002 for weapon-locating radar.

A recent report by a think tank on where US military hardware is going said that despite sanctions, Indian military purchases from the US amounted to approximately $130 million between 1994 and 2003. It said that the hold of Russia over 70 per cent of India's military hardware will loosen as defence ties grow between New Delhi and Washington.

Before the marketing blitzkrieg was triggered, a team of officials from the US state department's bureau of political-military affairs "demystified" the process by which arms licences were issued by the US. Since the rules are complex, the ministry of defence had sought clarity on the issue.

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