Drone, jet engine deals will boost India-US defence ties: Experts

Business Standard

Defence deals being signed between Indian and the US during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit will prove beneficial for India, defence experts said on Thursday. Prime Minister Modi is on a state visit to the US from June 21 to 24 at the invitation of President Joe Biden. In a landmark announcement, GE Aerospace on Thursday said it has inked a pact with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly produce fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk-II -- Tejas. India is also likely to sign a deal to buy MQ-9B Predator armed drones from US manufacturer General Atomics. The experts said the deals will boost India-US defence ties. Defence expert Brigadier (retired) Rahul Bhonsle said the drones will prove beneficial for India's northern border as well as along the maritime boundary. "This particular drone has capability not just to seek targets but to immediately attack them.... It can carry out a strike itself. It leaves very little opportunity for