Washington, DC: Aerospace and defence giant, Lockheed Martin Global's, head, South Asia, G Kirkland, has been named to the board of the US-India Business Council (USIBC). Lockheed recently secured a $596 million contract for the supply of six C-130J Super Hercules military transport planes to the Indian Air Force.

Kirkland was named president, South Asia, Lockheed Martin Global, Inc. in June 2007, in which capacity he is responsible for all Lockheed Martin corporate business and customers in the region that includes the company's India, Australia and Singapore offices.

Previously, Kirkland has served as vice president, Maritime Surveillance Enterprise for Lockheed Martin Corp.

In a statement the USIBC said that since joining Lockheed Martin, Kirkland has been active in furthering US-India relationship and has been an active member of the Aspen India Dialogue since 2002.

The US Defence Department has awarded Lockheed the contract to work on the Super Hercules C-130J planes that India is buying in a $1 billion-plus package deal, its first major military purchase from the US for over 40 years.

New Delhi also has options on another six C-130Js, which will be used to support operations involving its special forces personnel and be equipped with missile and radar warning systems.

'Rick Kirkland's appointment to the USIBC board represents the manifestation of the US-India Strategic Partnership,' said Indra Nooyi, chairperson of the advocacy group seeking stronger commercial ties between the US and India.

'Rick brings deep expertise and knowledge of the region, having held key positions in the US Government and within Lockheed Martin, especially in the corporation's international operations,' Nooyi said.

On his appointment to the USIBC Board, Kirkland said, 'I believe that the future will be marked by increased interaction between the two governments and among all aspects of US and Indian society.

'I look forward to working with all members of the US India Business Council and playing a small role in developing strong and lasting ties between both great nations.'

'Lockheed Martin's recent success on the C-130J aircraft programme for the Indian Air Force and its involvement across several key security programmes is a testament to the company's global leadership,' added Nooyi, who is also Pepsico chief.

Lockheed Martin is a Chairman's Circle member of the USIBC, which represents 250 of the largest US companies investing in India and India's 25 largest global companies. It has a long engagement in business in India with commercial satellite sales, support for civil government and defence related programmes.

Lockheed Martin, India Private Limited was established to permit full engagement of all the business areas in Lockheed Martin across the entire spectrum of government acquisitions, services and support.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide  and reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion. In January 2008, Lockheed announced the opening of its India subsidiary, which markets all its operating systems in the country.