India and the United States of America are collaborating on a new defense innovation roadmap and a fresh startup relationship in the defense industrial sector, according to Jedidiah P Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. Royal made this announcement on Sunday.

During a media briefing of the US delegation before the fourteenth edition of Aero India in Bengaluru, Royal responded to questions by mentioning the recent meeting between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart, which established an “ambitious agenda.” The US has proposed a new defense innovation roadmap focusing on artillery and mobility. Additionally, the US is exploring a new startup relationship within the defense industrial sector.

Rear Admiral Michael Baker, Senior Defense Official of the US Embassy, stated that the US will showcase two F-18 Hornets and two F-16 Vipers at Aero India. When asked about the participation of the F-35 stealth multirole combat aircraft at the show, Baker noted that it would be the most advanced aircraft if it were to attend.

Ambassador Elizabeth Jones, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, mentioned that the current US delegation at Aero India is one of the largest ever. Both countries are collaborating on various issues including climate change and sustainable supply chains.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine and India-Russia relations, Ambassador Jones criticized Russia’s actions as an “unjust war.” The focus of discussions between India and the US is on their partnership and global goals related to climate change and pandemics.

Major General Julian C Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Airforce, International Affairs, revealed that an air-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will undergo testing in 2023. The UAV will be launched from a C-130J military transport aircraft as part of a seven-year project involving technology transfer.