The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has begun a week-long visit to the United States to bolster defence ties between the two countries.
During the visit, ongoing projects and possible avenues for future defence cooperation are expected to be discussed.
The visit comes as India seeks faster delivery of F404 engines from the US for the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) and negotiates a deal for the joint production of F414 engines in the country for the more advanced LCA Mk-2 programme.
Indian ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra welcomed the visit, saying it will further strengthen the defence partnership and sustain the strong & growing ties between the two Air Forces.
Singh's visit also comes as a US company competes with two other global firms for an Indian programme to equip the IAF with 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) to boost its airlift capabilities.
The defence acquisition council (DAC) approved a military capability boost worth ₹2.38 lakh crore in March, including the MTA.
Aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has imposed liquidated damages on the US firm GE Aerospace for delays in supplying F404 engines for the LCA Mk-1A.
India has also signed a $3.5 billion deal with the US to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones, primarily to boost its defence preparedness with an eye on China.
