NEW DELHI: The race for an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets just got hotter, with US aerospace major Boeing offering to jointly produce the frontline F-18 Super Hornet in India if it wins the contract."In the F-18, we have arguably the most advanced fighter in the world. If we win the contract, we offer the opportunity of entering into a joint production arrangement with an Indian defence contractor," Said Chris Chadwik, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, Global Strike Systems. "Clearly, there is very strong competition but we believe we are positioned very strongly," he added.
Should the deal come through, India will be the first country outside the US where the F-18 is produced. It will also be the first time Indian companies will be able to participate in the production of a US fighter. India's premier Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) currently produces the Sukhoi Su-30 and MiG-series of Russian jets, as also the British Jaguar.
According to Brian Nelson, who heads the international communications wing of Boeing Integrated Defence Systems (IDS) that manufactures the F-18, an IAF order would mean the first eight aircraft would be shipped off-the-shelf and the remaining jointly produced in India. Toward this end, Boeing would be aggressively positioning the F-18 at the upcoming Aero India 2007 international air show at Bangalore Feb 7-11, with one aircraft performing aerial manoeuvres and another on static display.