Overview
- The Indian Air Force chief, who flew a familiarisation sortie in a U.S. F-15EX at Nellis Air Force Base on April 9, rode in a two-seat Eagle II with USAF Maj. Matthew Benson.
- The visit later included meetings at the Pentagon with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and office calls with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink after a full-honors arrival in Washington.
- Discussions focused on more joint exercises, aligned modernization plans, and tighter interoperability for operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
- Gen. Wilsbach welcomed India’s purchase of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones and said the U.S. Air Force will help India use the platform effectively once deliveries begin.
- Boeing says the F-15EX brings digital fly-by-wire controls, an all-glass cockpit, AESA radar, and an advanced electronic warfare suite, features that inform India’s assessment of advanced combat systems.