Super Hornet Fighters Will Be Tested By The Indian Navy: Boeing CEO Heading To India, To Discuss P-8i Delivery?

Boeing plans to send two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft to an Indian Navy test site in Goa for ski-jump trials soon for flight testing. The aerospace company has pitched its twin-seater F/A-18 E/F Block III Super Hornet, which can operate from a’ski-jump’ ramp and can help safeguard the Indo-Pacific region.

In 2020, the aircraft successfully completed ski-jump tests, and comprehensive simulated studies were conducted. And when the planes arrive in India, they’ll be able to demonstrate this with further practical demonstrations.

If picked, this twin-engine fighter jet will compete with Dassault Aviation’s Rafale Marine, which has recently been modified and which France is ready to deliver for the Indian Navy’s soon-to-be-commissioned first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC). this IAC will be sent to the Eastern Naval Command later this year.

Is the CEO of Boeing heading to India?

Though no official dates have been announced, Boeing CEO and President David L Calhoun is expected to meet with top officials from the Ministry of Defence during his visit to India.

He is anticipated to fly to India soon, according to the buzz in South Block corridors. His visit follows his recent meeting with defence minister Rajnath Singh in Washington, DC, ahead of the 2+2 Indo-US ministerial conversation.

India’s defence minister met with Boeing and Raytheon, two major aerospace and defence firms, to discuss how they may benefit from the government’s Make in India initiative and advance toward ‘Make for the World.’

What is STOBAR?

The aircraft being offered to India is a multi-role, most modern frontline fighter of the US Navy, according to top Boeing officials (USN). It is the workhorse of the US Navy’s fleet. Top Boeing executives previously the twin-engine planes are capable of operating from Indian Navy aircraft carriers. They will also satisfy, if not surpass, the performance standards for short take-off and landing (STOBAR).

This is a technique for either launching or recovering an aircraft from an aircraft carrier’s deck.

The Indian Navy has received not just the F/A-18 Super Hornet, but also the F-15EX for the Indian Air Force’s requirement of 114 fighters and the KC-46 tanker for aerial refuelling and ISR capabilities.

More P-8i?

The government’s plans to acquire six P-8i aircraft are in jeopardy. The Indian side asked the corporation to extend the commercial bid validity till July 2022 in March. In March 2022, the commercial offer was set to expire.

The P8I, as previously reported, has met the Indian Navy’s requirements for long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the Indian Ocean region. The aircraft has completed around 35,000 flight hours since its entry in 2013 and has assisted the Indian Navy in its duties.

Is the Boeing Company looking at setting up MRO for P-8?

The corporation may consider establishing a location here to provide MRO services. According to industry insiders, firm officials recently discussed the MRO of the P8 Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, which is capable of anti-submarine warfare (ASW). P-8A is used by countries such as Australia (a QUAD member).

More than 275 Indian suppliers are already part of the Boeing Company’s extensive supply chain, producing and shipping parts and sophisticated assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The Apache, Chinook, C-17, F/A-18, F-15, P-8, and T-7, including the P-8I, are among them.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

The US-based corporation is already aiding India in two significant programmes, and India supplies more than USD 1 billion worth of products to the global aerospace market.

Rafale Marine Vs F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The French newspaper La Tribune recently claimed that the French government is considering selling four old Rafale Marine jets to the Indian Navy.

According to La Tribune, France was considering selling old Rafale Marine fighters to gain an advantage in bidding for a larger contract with the Indian Navy. According to a French magazine, the Rafale fighter jets’ current production standard is the F3-R, which can be equipped with enhanced sensors and electronics and can fire the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile.

India office set to welcome new VP

Alain Garcia, the new Vice President of Boeing’s India Business Development, will arrive in India soon.