New Delhi. Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced the appointment of retired Commodore Gyanendra Sharma to the position of managing director of Northrop Grumman International’s New Delhi, India office.

He will report to John Brooks, vice-president of international business development and president of Northrop Grumman International.

In this new role, Sharma will develop and maintain closer ties with the Indian Government, including Indian Navy and Air Force military staffs. He will also establish and maintain Northrop Grumman’s industry partnerships and strengthen the company’s ability to pursue new business opportunities in India.

“We are delighted that Commodore Sharma has agreed to join us,” said Brooks. “His experience with the Indian military and understanding of the Indian defence market will be a valuable asset to Northrop Grumman as we grow our presence in this strategically important region.”

Cmde Sharma will also expand awareness of Northrop Grumman’s core capabilities with programs such as E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle Fire Scout as well as sea- and littoral-based ships and watercraft needs. He will work with the Indian military to help meet its current and future requirements in the area of network-centric capabilities, as well as with the nation’s leadership and business community to develop and implement successful offset strategies.

“India is a priority market for Northrop Grumman,” said Brooks. “

Opening this new office in New Delhi will enable us to expand our regional presence in recognition of emerging business opportunities and to strengthen relationships with potential customers.”

A naval aviator, Cmde Sharma retired in 2002 after 34 years with the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Ministry of Defence. He has held several prestigious appointments in the Indian Naval Headquarters, including Director of Naval Air Staff, Director of Aircraft Acquisition, and Deputy Director General Defence Planning Staff. He was also appointed Director of Aviation for the Indian Coast Guard, where he was instrumental in consolidating the air operations of that service.

A naval aviator, he began his career flying fixed-wing aircraft with the Indian Navy. Having spent his initial years operating from aircraft carriers and commanding front line naval air-squadrons, Sharma has also held command of Indian Naval warships and operated in the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal.

Cmde Sharma is a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry National Committee on Defence and serves as the vice president of the Indian Navy Foundation. Most recently, he was a vice president of Greaves Cotton, an engineering technology firm.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.