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

Reported by: Devarshi mankad
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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.

READ: White House: US President Donald Trump & FLOTUS Melania To Visit India On February 24-25

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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."

READ: DefExpo 2020 Will Prove To Be Breakthrough In Indian Defence Manufacturing: Rajnath

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."

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10:53 IST, February 11th 2020