Chapter 66: High-Flying Ambitions

The American connection deepened significantly in the realm of aviation technology. Adav, remembering the crucial role of air power in future conflicts, knew India needed to leapfrog decades of development to build a world-class aerospace industry. American companies, particularly those involved in commercial aircraft and, covertly, military designs, became prime targets for collaboration.

Bharat Corporation's aviation division, already manufacturing rudimentary aircraft, entered into complex licensing agreements with American firms. These weren't simply for purchasing finished aircraft; they were for the transfer of manufacturing know-how, engine designs, and aerodynamic principles. Indian engineers from Bharat Corporation's research institutes were sent to American aircraft factories, working alongside their counterparts, learning the intricacies of fuselage construction, wing design, and the mass production of reliable aircraft engines.

This collaboration extended to logistics and maintenance, ensuring that India could not only build but also sustain a modern air fleet. The inflow of American expertise and machinery allowed India to rapidly upgrade its own aviation capabilities, complementing the earlier Japanese inputs which focused more on naval aviation and specific military designs. By fostering these ties, Adav ensured that India was not beholden to any single technological patron, strategically diversifying its access to cutting-edge advancements and further detaching itself from the fading influence of the British Empire.