Aerospace Diary

São Paulo, Brazil,  February 28, 2012 Embraer Statement: Embraer regrets today’s announcement by the US Air Force, to set aside the contract award related to the Afghanistan Light Air Support program (LAS). Along with its US partner, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Embraer participated in the LAS selection process providing, on time and without exceptions, all the required documentation.  The decision in favor of the Super Tucano, announced on December 30, 2011 by the U.S. Air Force, was a choice for the best product with proven performance in action and all the necessary capabilities to meet client demands. Embraer remains committed to offer the best solution to the US Air Force and will await further clarification on the subject to decide next steps, in consultation with its partner, SNC.

By Lisa Curtis and Derek Scissors, Ph.D. (Heritage Foundation) Posted by- Neelam Mathews Jan 20, 2012 China ’s concerns over Pakistan’s future stability will likely limit the extent to which it will help Pakistan out of its economic difficulties. While China has an interest in maintaining strong security ties with Pakistan, the economic relationship is not very extensive and the notion that Chinese ties could serve as a replacement for U.S. ties is far-fetched. Instead of wringing hands over Chinese influence on Pakistan, the U.S. should seek cooperation from Beijing in encouraging a more stable and prosperous Pakistan—which will benefit all parties involved.   In the wake of the U.S. raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound last May and deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Washington, Pakistani leaders have sought to play up their country’s relations with China, touting Beijing as an alternative partner to Washington. However, China’s concerns about the future stabilit...

Neelam Mathews Oct 6, 2011 Delegates from the U.S, India and Australia concluded a one-week subject matter expert exchange in Los Angeles, California.  During the program, that ended on  September 30, the Indian delegates shared their extensive insights on lessons learned and challenges encountered during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.  “There were many aspects of the 26/11 attacks that were unique, presenting unprecedented new challenges. Learning first-hand about the Indian experience during these horrific attacks was an extremely beneficial exercise, and will allow for better strategic contingency planning by U.S. experts,” said the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Attaché, Daniel C. Clegg. The exchange was a joint effort involving senior Indian and Australian officials and the U.S. FBI, U.S. Department of Defense, Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It focused on police planning and ta...

Excerpts of  Interactive Web Chat Webinar addressed by Robert O. Blake, Jr. Assistant Secretary , Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in Washington, DC   Posted by- Neelam Mathews July 10, 2011 Assistant Secretary Blake: I wanted to preview Secretary Clinton’s visit to India the week after next where she will co-chair the second U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue. President Obama and Secretary Clinton are both deeply committed to expanding the U.S.-India partnership ..... The Strategic Dialogue offers an opportunity to review the many accomplishments we’ve made since last June’s meeting in Washington and the President’s momentous visit to India last November. Also to guide and encourage our ongoing collaboration and cooperation and look ahead to new joint initiatives that we can implement. We’ve done a lot since the President’s highly successful trip. As part of our commitment to treat India as a non-proliferation partner we de-listed DRDO and ISRO from t...