Published 10:54 IST, February 11th 2020
India likely to sign military helicopter deal with Lockheed Martin during Trump's visit
India and US are soon expected to close a $2.6 Billion deal for military helicopters from Lockheed Martin, which is a US-based defence manufacturing firm
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India and US are soon expected to close a $2.6 Billion deal for military helicopters from Lockheed Martin, which is a US-based defence manufacturing firm. deal is expected to be signed as US President Donald Trump is set to visit India on a two-day State visit.
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Deal expected soon
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are expected to deployed on India's warships in order to cut short lengthy negotiations between firm and Indian government.
Lockheed Martin has already sold F-21s to Indian Air Force, C-130J Super Hercules, S-92 helicopters, MH-60 Romeo helicopters. firm has a subsidiary in India as well, established in 2008.
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In December 2019, firm appointed William Blair as vice-president and chief executive for its India operations.
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aero company and is principally engd in research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced techlogy systems, products and services.
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On Monday, Defence Security Cooperation ncy stated that US "State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) for an estimated cost of $1.867 billion."
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It added, "This proposed sale will support foreign policy and national security of United States by helping to strengn U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and ecomic progress in Indo-Pacific and South Asia region."
In an anuncement early on Tuesday morning, White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump will visit India on February 24-25. Moreover, Trump administration confirmed that he will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and will visit Delhi and Gujarat.
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release by White House read "During a phone call over weekend, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi agreed trip will furr strengn United States-India strategic partnership and highlight strong and enduring bonds between American and Indian people."
10:53 IST, February 11th 2020