Largest-ever US participation at Aero India 2019
Aero India 2019, India’s biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bangalore at the Yelahanka Air Force Station will see the largest-ever U.S participation in the air show.
“I am pleased to be here to support our largest-ever U.S participation in Aero India. Defense acquisitions are an important component in deepening our bilateral ties and contributing to a balanced trade relationship,” U.S. Ambassador Kenneth I. Juster said in a statement. “The US participation in Aero India provides both US industry and US military services the opportunity to strengthen military-to-military relations and defense cooperation with India.”
US naval assets on display will include the F/A-18 Super Hornet from VFA-27 Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan and a P-8 from VP-47 Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington.
During the air show on February 20, a fly-by will be performed by B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Over 100 US Department of Defence personnel will support the delegation of 28 companies participating in the Aero India Show being held in Bangalore from February 20 to 24. Officials from the Departments of State and Commerce will also be present.
“The high-level US delegation, an array of US military platforms and personnel, and significant representation from US industry are concrete examples of the growing defence ties between the United States and India,” read a communiqué from the US Consulate in Chennai.
“Our two militaries work together to protect freedom of navigation in the air and sea, and to combat terrorism and violent extremism. The robust public and private participation by the United States in Aero India demonstrates the importance the United States places on its strategic partnership with India,” it added.
Dr. Vivek Lall, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics service is leading the USIBC (U.S.-India Business Council) delegation to Aero India 2019. USIBC’s new Chairman of the Defense and Aerospace Committee, Rich Weir of Northrop Grumman will also be present in the delegation. Delegates from companies like Boeing, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, TCI, BAE Systems, Textron Aviation, Raytheon, AECOM, Harris Corporation, Telephonics Corporation will also be present.
The U.S. Government delegation includes:
U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Mr. Alan Shaffer Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Lieutenant General Charles Hooper Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Dr. Joseph Felter Senior Defense Attaché to India, Major General Robin Fontes Director, Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Brigadier General Sean M. Farrell Navy International Programs Office Executive Director, Dr. Walter F. Jones U.S. Consul General in Chennai, Robert Burgess.
Twenty eight U.S. companies are participating in Aero India, 19 of which are exhibiting in the USA Partnership Pavilion, organized for the fifth consecutive edition by Kallman Worldwide. There are four Pavilion exhibitors presenting for the first time at Aero India.
U.S. Navy Participation
U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and P-8A Poseidon aircraft joined Aero India 2019 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, India, Feb. 20.
“We are also looking forward to strengthening military-to-military relationships and showcasing the capabilities that stem from cooperative agreements with our partners in the region,” said Lt. Cmdr. David Shultz, the “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 Aero India 2019 detachment officer in charge. “Aero India offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the P-8A Poseidon to our regional partners throughout the Indo-Pacific,”
VP-47 will join F/A-18E Super Hornets from the “Royal Maces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 and 17 other U.S. military aircraft for static displays and aerial demonstrations.
“Participating in Aero India is an amazing opportunity for our squadron to be showcased alongside our Indian allies,” said Cmdr. Brent Jaquith, VFA 27’s commanding officer. “Our squadron routinely operates throughout the Indo-Pacific and it is always a great experience to visit a partner nation’s country in person, and showcase the professional execution of the Maces and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.”
India’s MPRA squadron, India Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 312, made historic achievements this past year as they traveled across the International Date Line for the first time to join the U.S. and other allies during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 in Hawaii. Following Aero India 2019, VP-47 and INAS 312 will conduct a bilateral Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
“This detachment is a great opportunity to show our commitment to India and the entire Indo-Pacific region,” said Lt. Michael Doehler, VP-47 Aero India 2019 detachment assistant officer in charge. “Our participation in Aero India and (SMEE) will strengthen our partnership with India and help establish standardized procedures for continued anti-submarine warfare (ASW) cooperation in the future.”
Both Squadrons are forward-deployed to U.S. Seventh Fleet in support of regional security and stability. The “Golden Swordsmen” are currently deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72.
The “Royal Maces” are forward-deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and as part of CVW 5, support Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 and Commander Task Force 70.
