Washington:Seeking toconsolidate the momentum of the recent US-India strategic partnership, anexecutive Defence Mission would be arriving in India to participate in thecountry's major air show 'Aero India 2007'.

The Mission, launched by the US-India BusinessCouncil (USIBC), would be led by William S Cohen, former US Secretary of Defence and CEO ofThe Cohen Group, and Ambassador Thomas R Pickering of The Boeing Company.

It would essentially showcase American excellence in technology superiority,reliability, and long-term partnership at the prestigious show, which would beorganised between February 4 and February 11, 2007, "Aero India 2007provides an excellent platform for US aerospace companies to build alliances,find partners, and share cutting-edge technology with India. This is the first time inhistory that the US Government has approved such a large fleet of militaryaircraft for static and flying display in a major air show" the USIBC hassaid to sources.

Senior officials from the Department of Defence will also attend the show witha view to demonstrate UScommitment to Indiaas a long-term partner.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are represented by senior executives on the mission,and have planned elaborate chalets to entertain their customers anddignitaries. Boeing will showcase the F/A-18f, C-17 transport aircraft, andChinook heavy-lift chopper. Lockheed Martin will showcase the F-16, C-130j, andP-3c.

"USIBCFs seventh defence mission to India comes on the heels ofunprecedented US-India strategic defence cooperation, as embodied in thesuccessful passage of the Civilian Nuclear Legislation.