India, US officials vow to boost cooperation in aircraft carrier tech

The Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) has discussed plans for future cooperation under different aspects of aircraft carrier technology, including design optimisation and trials procedure.

The fourth meeting of the JWGACTC constituted under the Indo - US Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, was organised in India from October 29 to November 3.

A 13 member US delegation, headed by Rear Admiral Brian Antonio, Program Executive Officer Aircraft Carriers, visited the Shore Based Test Facility at Goa, Naval Base at Karwar, INS Vikramaditya at sea, Mazagaon Dock Limited and Headquarters Western Naval Command.

The concluding session of the Joint Working Group Meeting was held today at New Delhi and was co-chaired by Vice Admiral DM Deshpande, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition, and Rear Admiral Brian Antonio.

“During the meeting, both sides discussed plans for future co-operation under various aspects of aircraft carrier technology such as design optimisation, construction philosophy, trials procedure and project management. A joint statement was also signed today,” reads a statement issued by the Indian Navy.

The two sides have agreed to meet in the US early next year.