New Delhi:
On his three day visit to India, beginning today, US President Barack Obama is likely to push for more defence sales. On the agenda would be:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) wants to buy 126 combat jets worth nearly $11 billion, which are up for grabs. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are two among the six worldwide contenders currently competing for the order.
- India has shown interest in buying C-17, heavy lift transport aircraft for the IAF through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route where multi-bid tenders are not required.
- In 2008 and 2009, India placed orders for American C-130J Medium lift military transport aircraft and P-8 Boeing long-range Maritime Reconniasance (LRMR) planes together worth more than $4 billion. Obama is likely to push India to buy more of these.
- India is also interested in buying the Javelin anti-itank missiles, sensor fused weapons and harpoon missiles from the US.