New Delhi:The race for anIndian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets just got hotter, with US aerospace major Boeing offering to jointlyproduce the frontline F-18 Super Hornet in India if it wins the contract.

 

"In the F-18, we have arguably the most advancedfighter in the world. If we win the contract, we offer the opportunity ofentering into a joint production arrangement with an Indian defence contractor,"Said Chris Chadwik, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, Global StrikeSystems.

"Clearly, there is very strong competition but webelieve we are positioned very strongly," he added.

Should the deal come through, Indiawill be the first country outside the US where the F-18 is produced.

It will also be the first time Indian companies will be ableto participate in the production of a US fighter. India's premier HindustanAeronautics Limited (HAL) currently produces the Sukhoi Su-30 and MiG-series ofRussian jets, as also the British Jaguar.

According to Brian Nelson, who heads the internationalcommunications wing of Boeing Integrated Defence Systems (IDS) thatmanufactures the F-18, an IAF order would mean the first eight aircraft wouldbe shipped off-the-shelf and the remaining jointly produced in India.

The two officials spoke to IANS via a teleconference fromtheir St. Louisheadquarters.

Toward this end, Boeing would be aggressively positioningthe F-18 at the upcoming Aero India 2007 international air show at Bangalore Feb 7-11, withone aircraft performing aerial manoeuvres and another on static display.

This apart, the C-17 Globemaster strategic lift transportand the Chinook CH-47 helicopter troop carrier, as also a large scale model ofthe P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft that has been offered to the IndianNavy, will also be on display.

"Boeing plans to take aloft select dignitaries on theF-18, the C-17 and the CH-47 during the air show to enable them to experiencefirst hand the capabilities of the aircraft and their cutting edgetechnologies," Nelson said.

A host of senior Boeing executives from the company'sdefence and civilian wings would also be attending the show.

"We view this (Aero India) as the start of a journey toestablish a real and lasting relationship with (the) Indian (defence) industryto fulfil their requirements," Chadwik pointed out.

"We see more and more involvement in the defence sphereas Indiawill get to see Boeing as a friend to create business opportunities. We seeopportunities for long-term business relationships," he said.

"A decade down, when we look back, we will be able tosee the good opportunities that have been created," Chadwik added.

 

The IAF had in 2001 projected a requirement of 126 multi-rolecombat aircraft (MRCA) to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-21 and MiG-23 Sovietera fighters. The new planes are expected to arrive by 2010, with the dealexpected to cost in the region of $6-11 billion (Rs.265-485 billion).

In 2004, a request for information (RFI) was sent out forfour jets - the US F-16, the Russian MiG-29, the French Mirage 2000-5 and theSwedish JAS-39 Gripen.

In addition, the manufacturers of the F-18, the FrenchRafaele and the four-nation European Typhoon also sent in their offers.

 

And last month, Russia made known its intention tobid for the IAF order with its MiG-23, essentially a Mig-29 with a slightlydifferent profile but with a more powerful engine.

A request for proposal (RFP) was to have been sent to theshort-listed manufacturers in 2005 but this is nowhere in sight, even as theIAF's fighter squadrons have dwindled to 30, against a sanctioned force levelof 39 1/2 squadrons.

This has led to reports that the IAF's requirements haverisen to the region of 200 aircraft.

The MRCA issue has acquired added importance in view of the US decision to sell 36 new F-16s to Pakistan.

The Pakistan Air Force had received its first F-16 in 1982and another 39 by 1987, after which the US Congress blocked further sales.Thirty-two of the original 40 aircraft are currently flying.

 

The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi, has gone onrecord saying the delay in sending out the RFP is due to the government's newlyformulated defence procurement policy.

Apart from laying down that equipment purchases mustincorporate a life-cycle cost element, the policy also contains an 'offsets'clause under which 30 percent of all deals worth over Rs.3 billion has to bereinvested in Indiaby way of purchases or by creating infrastructure. 

Offsets, according to Nelson, were not an issue.

"We are very comfortable with offsets. We have executed$27 billion dollars of offsets in 35 countries and our partners have been morethan happy with the results," he maintained.

"Boeing is not just looking at obligations it has tofulfil but at opportunities to develop long-term partnerships with long-termbenefits for Boeing and Indian companies," Nelson contended.