MUMBAI June 21 : Surendra Ahuja, a pilot with Indian Navy's flagship aircraft carrier INS Viraat, created history by becoming the first to qualify to operate fighter aircraft aboard US aircraft carriers.
Ahuja, whose training began in November 2006 and ended on May 10, 2007, underwent conversion training on a T-45 Goshawk aircraft. Defence spokesperson stated it was part of enhanced Indo-US defence co-operation agreement and covers mutual exchange of personnel, standard operating procedures and operational exposure.
Till now, he added, Indo-US naval co-operation focussed mainly on joint exercises like the Malabar series, visits of warships and naval personnel
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