US-India Defence Ties, Agreements and Initiatives

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States was marked by significant advancements in U.S.-India defence cooperation.

Major Defense Agreements and Initiatives

Defence Acquisitions & Co-production

• India is proceeding with the purchase and co-production of the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), boosting domestic manufacturing.
• Agreement to acquire six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

New 10-Year Defence Framework

• India and the U.S. will sign a 10-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, ensuring long-term cooperation.

Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)

This is an initiative for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA).

Future Possibilities

• Potential collaboration on undersea systems and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
• Accelerated engagement in space, air defence, and anti-tank missiles.

Regulatory Reforms in Defence Trade

• India and the U.S. will review arms transfer regulations for smoother defence trade.
• Negotiations for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement, aligning acquisition mechanisms and fostering mutual defence supply.

Hurdles in the Defence Partnership

Lack of Clarity on Jet Engine Transfers

• No mention of the urgent delivery of GE F-404 engines for Tejas-Mark 1A fighter aircraft.
• Uncertainty over 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT) for GE F-414 engine to power Tejas Mark-II.

Challenges with F-35 Fighter Jet Offer

• High integration costs due to India’s diverse aircraft fleet.
• Potential restrictions on operational use by the U.S.
• Absence of co-production or ToT for F-35 jets.

Indian Air Force’s Fighter Jet Shortage

• IAF’s fighter squadrons may fall below 30, requiring urgent induction of new jets.
• Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) project for 114 fighters is still unresolved.

Past Setbacks in Defence Deals

• Dassault Rafale deal faced issues due to France’s reluctance in ToT.
• India previously settled for 36 Rafale jets instead of the initially planned 114 due to cost concerns.

Conclusion

The recent India-U.S. defence deals mark a significant step in strengthening bilateral security ties, focusing on co-production, advanced technologies, and strategic cooperation. However, key challenges remain, particularly in fighter aircraft procurement, technology transfer, and operational independence. Overcoming these hurdles will require both nations to streamline regulatory processes, ensure timely deliveries, and address India’s defence capability gaps to achieve a truly robust and self-reliant military partnership.

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