The Indian Navy has been evaluating its fighter options for Navy and it has shortlisted Boeing's 'F/A-18 Super Hornet' and 'Rafale M' aircraft produced by the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.
Boeing is trying to offer a sweetened deal by pitching , If it selects the Super Hornet, it would benefit from billions of dollars invested in new technologies by the U.S. Navy and others. Those technologies include advanced networking, longer range through conformal fuel tanks, infrared search and track, and a new advanced cockpit system.
In July 2022 , Boeing had stated ,
“The first successful and safe launch of the F/A-18 Super Hornet from a ski jump begins the validation process to operate effectively from Indian Navy aircraft carriers."
"The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will not only provide superior war fighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the United States and India.”
Video of recent Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet operational demonstration tests from Shore Based Test Facility at Indian Naval Station Hansa in Goa showcasing their ability to operate off @indiannavy’s aircraft carriers
— Dinakar Peri (@dperi84) July 20, 2022
VC: @Boeing_In pic.twitter.com/OXVLRDlY2j
Boeing added ,
"Super Hornet showed the ability to operate from Indian Navy carriers. India is looking for fighters for the indigenous aircraft carrier, the IAC Vikrant."
“As a trusted partner of India’s aerospace sector for more than 75 years, Boeing has made significant investments in India’s aerospace and defense industry and will continue to do so. Our investments span the entire spectrum of local manufacturing, engineering and R&D, and training and skilling to help build a robust ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in aerospace and defense,” Boeing India President , Salil Gupte said.
Boeing's sourcing from India is over Rs 8,000 cr. 300 Indian industry partners working with Boeing which includes 75 MSMEs with over 4,000 employees in India, which majorly includes engineers: Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India@SalilAnilGupte @Boeing @Daanish_Anand pic.twitter.com/wjcaf6IoWO
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) August 24, 2022
“The selection of the F/A-18 Super Hornet for India will help boost investments in India’s defense industry,” he added.
Gupte also conveyed , Boeing plans to build on its existing industrial base and strengthen its commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with continued investments in India across five pillars.
These Pillars include supply chain development and manufacturing ; engineering and technology transfer; long-term support and training; infrastructure investments; and contributions of the ‘Hornet team’, comprising General Electric, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.
We will be offering F/A -18 Super Hornet jet to Indian Navy, Indian Air Force. This jet is the backbone of US defense forces: Alain Garcia, VP, Defense & Services Biz, Boeing India.
“The Block III Super Hornet we are offering to the Indian Navy has the most advanced and critical capability. With its open architecture design and continuously evolving capability suite, the Super Hornet will outpace current threats, facilitate rapid capability insertion and has unmatched affordability,” said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager, Bombers and Fighters division, Boeing Defence, Space and Security.
India wants it's Naval might to expand to keep it's adversaries away from Indian Ocean , and Currently , the Indian Navy operates Russian-origin MiG-29K fighters from its sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
Will be interesting to see the inclination of Indian Ministry of Defence , as Rafale has already made it's way into the Indian Air Force , fleet and vendor commonality will be a major factor in decision making !
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