Pentagon's Defense Cooperation Security Agency Chief Lt. Gen Jeffrey B. Kohler is expected to pay a visit to India in September to make a classified presentation of Patriot missiles and F-16, F-18 fighters.
"Gen Kohler's visit may see the Indian Navy possibly acquire the USS Trenton, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock ship, along with minesweepers," said Indian Defense Ministry source Wednesday.
The DCSA, which oversees U.S. military foreign sales, may also offer the P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft to the Indian Navy on a lease basis, the source said.
The relations between India and the United States and the cementing of military ties between the two began after the signing of a landmark Indo-U.S. Civilian Nuclear deal during the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington.
On July 25, the Pentagon informed the U.S. Congress about the possible sale of the USS Trenton while moving amendment of Department of Defense Appropriation Bill.
"During his visit Gen. Kohler will meet Defense Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Secretary Defense Production Dhanendra Kumar, Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister M Natrajan and officials of the armed forces, National Security Council Secretariat and Foreign Ministry," said The Indian Express newspaper Wednesday.
India's Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that India would build its own anti-missile system. The fact is that Indian expertise in this strategic area is quite limited.
