The Hindu Business Line : Race for military aircraft contract begins

On Thursday, Boeing Company announced that it has delivered a 7,000-page proposal offering the advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, while the European consortium, EADS announced that not only was it offering the Typhoon aircraft but also invited India to become a partner of the Eurofighter programme.

The last date for submitting the proposals is April 28. There are six vendors in the fray, including the Russian company MiG, Gripen from Sweden, French company Dassault, US company Lockheed Martin, apart from Boeing and Eurofighter.

In a statement, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Boeing Integrated Defence Services, Mr Jim Albaugh, said that the company was offering India the best value, most advanced and proven multi-role combat fighter in production today.

The Super Hornet variant being offered to India is based on the F/A-18E/F model flown by the US Navy and currently being built for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Delivery of the first Super Hornet can begin about 36 months after the contract is awarded, the statement adds.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer, Military Air Systems, EADS, Mr Bernhard Gerwert, said that India was the partner of choice for it.

“We are interested in long-lasting political, industrial and military relations which will be based on a win-win partnership. Therefore, the door is wide open for India,” he added.

Both the American and European company have promised to transfer technology and some production here which is required as part of the contract. Boeing has said that it has signed long-term partnership with a number of Indian companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Tata Industries and Larsen and Toubro.

“If the Super Hornet is selected, these companies and others are expected to play a significant role as Boeing transfers some production and assembly to India,” the statement adds.