Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the William B. Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Memphis, Tennessee, United States marking a significant step in strengthening defence ties between the two nations.
The LCC, known as one of the world’s largest and most advanced water tunnel facilities, plays a crucial role in testing submarines, torpedoes, naval surface ships, and propellers, underscoring its importance in naval research and development.
During his visit on Sunday, Singh was briefed on the technical capabilities of the LCC and observed a live tunnel experiment. He was accompanied by a delegation that included the Ambassador of India to the US, the Director General of Naval Operations from the Indian Navy, and the Defence Technology Counsellor from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The delegation was warmly received by the US Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Policy and was provided detailed insights into the operations by the NSWC Commander and Technical Director.
This visit is part of Singh’s broader mission to enhance India’s defence capabilities through closer collaboration with the United States. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that discussions at the LCC also focused on the possibility of establishing similar advanced facilities in India to support indigenous design and development efforts, a move that aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence.
Singh also held talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the White House in Washington, DC, on Friday. The meeting, described as pivotal by defence analysts, centered on the evolving geopolitical landscape and regional security issues, with a focus on accelerating joint defence production initiatives.
The discussions highlighted ongoing defence industrial collaboration projects and explored new avenues where Indian and US industries could collaborate, particularly in areas like jet engine production and munitions.
The Defence Minister’s visit also included a round-table discussion with senior leaders from the US defence industry, organized by the US India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC. The event saw participation from numerous US defence and technology companies.