USIBC signals interest in expanding global security partnerships

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has launched its Executive Defence Mission to Defexpo 2012, signaling the deepened defence and security partnership between the United States and India. The Executive Mission, led by General Paul J. Kern (Retd), Senior Counselor, The Cohen Group and Vice Admiral (Retd) Kevin J. Cosgriff, Senior Vice President, International Business & Government, Textron Systems, brings the largest industry delegation to Defexpo 2012, and is comprised of America’s premier aerospace and defence companies.

General Kern and Vice Admiral Cosgriff expressed optimism for this growing strategic partnership, and noted the active collaboration across virtually every realm in meeting India’s complex and growing defence and internal security needs. “We are here once again to reaffirm our commitment to a long-term partnership with India by offering the best capabilities that are mission-ready and operationally proven, robust industrial partnership, and state-of-the-art technologies offered at the best value when measured over the lifetime of the product,” the mission leaders said.

Senior executives representing America’s top defence companies, including ATK, BAE Systems Inc, the Boeing Company, the Cohen Group, DuPont, General Dynamics, Harris, Honeywell, ITT Exelis, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Navistar Defence, Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, PwC, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, SAS, Sikorsky, Telephonics Corporation, Textron Systems, Tyco, and many others, will be present at Defexpo 2012. The United States has once again brought the single largest industry delegation to the show.

US industry will showcase advanced capabilities geared towards India’s land, naval, and internal security systems needs. On display will be current offerings such as Textron Systems’ ground-based smart weapons and naval common unmanned surface vessel, BAE Systems’ M777 155mm lightweight howitzer, and other best-in-class offerings from US industry, such as armoured security and light combat vehicles, tactical communications equipment, integrated weapons systems, thermal imaging technologies and network munitions systems.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for the United States to meet India’s defence and homeland security needs - as exhibited by recent big-ticket procurements such as the Boeing C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft, VVIP aircraft for the PM, Lockheed Martin C-130J, Textron Sensor Fused Weapon- all of which indicate a high level of trust and cooperation between the United States and India.” said USIBC President Ron Somers.

Referring to the trust built between the United States and India, Somers also said, “The US is keen to offer India the best-in-class capabilities in all defence and security dimensions, broadening the areas in which our two governments, militaries and industries cooperate.” Defence sales, which have risen from just over $200 million in 2001, have increased to over $12 billion today. “This remarkable growth in defence sales also translates to thousands of high-skill jobs being created both in India and the United States, making it a win-win for both countries.”

The US-India Business Council was formed in 1975 at the request of the United States and Indian Governments to advance two-way trade and deepen commercial ties. Today, USIBC is the premier business advocacy association comprised of 350 of America’s and India’s top companies dedicated to enhancing the U.S.-India commercial relationship. Harold McGraw III, Chairman, President, and CEO of the McGraw-Hill Companies serves as chairman of USIBC.