Top US military commander visits Tejas facility in Bengaluru
Amid efforts to further strengthen India-US defence ties, Admiral Samuel J Paparo, head of the Hawaii-based United States Indo-Pacific Command, visited the production facility in Bengaluru where India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, the Tejas, is manufactured.
The Tejas is produced by the public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and powered by US-origin engines. Around 180 aircraft are on order, while the Indian Air Force currently operates 40 jets.
During his visit, Admiral Paparo also met US and Indian industry and technology leaders to advance cooperation in emerging domains. The tour underscored expanding defence-industrial collaboration and aerospace innovation between the two countries.
According to an official statement, Admiral Paparo was in India from February 14 to 19 to discuss shared security interests and strengthen bilateral military ties. He also visited New Delhi and Chandimandir, the headquarters of the Army’s Western Command.
The United States designated India a Major Defence Partner in 2016. In October last year, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed the 2025 Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur.
