By Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv
Boeing is evaluating the possibility of offering its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to India equipped with Israeli-made avionics in an effort to bypass the US government’s opposition to the export of some US-produced systems to the country. India is expected to consider the Super Hornet design for a new air force requirement for 126 new lightweight fighters, a request for proposals (RFP) for which is expected to be released later this year.
The invitation for Israeli companies to participate in the project is also being based on the strong bilateral relations that exist between the Indian and Israeli defence establishments, says one Boeing source. Israeli firms have over recent years enjoyed considerable success in selling equipment such as airborne and land-based early-warning radars, anti-radiation drones and unmanned air vehicle systems to the Indian armed forces.
Boeing and Israeli officials are reluctant to identify systems that could be purchased from Israeli manufacturers, but it is believed that the focus will be on the replacement of some advanced sensors and weapon systems. The Boeing response to India’s RFP will also include proposals for the licensed or local production of the Super Hornet, the company says.
Source: Flight International
