India & U.S hold 11th Defense Technology & Trade Initiative Group meeting virtually

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Why in the news?

The 11th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group meeting between India and the United States (US) was held virtually.  

The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Raj Kumar from Ministry of Defense, Government of India and PTDO (Performing the Duties of) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment from US Department of DefenseMr Gregory Kausner.

 What is DTTI Group? 

• The aim of the DTTI Group is to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defense trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defense equipment. Four Joint Working Groups focused on land, naval, air and aircraft carrier technologies have been established under DTTI to promote mutually agreed projects within their domains.
• The DTTI Group meetings are normally held twice a year, alternating between India and the US.

Key highlights of 11th DTTI:

• Co-chairs agree on revised Statement of Intent to strengthen dialogue on defense technology cooperation
• First Project Agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under Joint Working Group Air Systems signed since last meeting
• Defense Industry Collaboration ForumVirtual Expo conducted to further encourage development of niche technologies
• DTTI Group aims to create opportunities for co-production &co-development of defense equipment
• The co-chairs were also pleased to note that since the last DTTI Group meeting in September 2020, the first Project Agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under the Joint Working Group Air Systems was signed which a major accomplishment is for DTTI.  

10th DTTI group meeting:

India and the United States had signed a statement of intent to strengthen the dialogue on defense technology cooperation during the 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) virtual group meeting.

• During the statement the co-chaired had talked about creating opportunities for co-production and co-development of military equipment.
• It was signed by Ellen Lord, US under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Raj Kumar, Secretary, Defense Production, Ministry of Defense.