Boeing will not offer the F-15 Eagle for India's forthcoming fighter needs but would like to offer the latest Block 2 version of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the company said at the show yesterday.
Speaking at an update on the Super Hornet, Chris Chadwick, vice-president F/A-18 Program with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said the US and Indian governments were holding talks over what technology could be released for the approaching competition for 126 multirole fighters.
"What we would like to offer, if the government allows, is the Block 2 capability. The F-15 will not be offered."
The Block 2 includes advanced systems such as the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array, Advanced Targeting FLIR and Multi-Functional Information Distribution System.
US military aircraft sales prospects for both India and Pakistan were rekindled in March when the US government announced a major shift in its arms trade policy to the sub-continent. Pakistan had been under sanctions since 1990, while India has traditionally turned to France or Russia to replenish its inventory.
Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin urgently need orders for the F-15 and F-16 Fighting Falcon to prevent production line gaps from 2008. The Indian request for proposals is expected this autumn, with the winning aircraft likely to be chosen in late 2008 or early 2009. Co-production with India is likely.
Speaking at an update on the Super Hornet, Chris Chadwick, vice-president F/A-18 Program with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said the US and Indian governments were holding talks over what technology could be released for the approaching competition for 126 multirole fighters.
"What we would like to offer, if the government allows, is the Block 2 capability. The F-15 will not be offered."
The Block 2 includes advanced systems such as the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array, Advanced Targeting FLIR and Multi-Functional Information Distribution System.
US military aircraft sales prospects for both India and Pakistan were rekindled in March when the US government announced a major shift in its arms trade policy to the sub-continent. Pakistan had been under sanctions since 1990, while India has traditionally turned to France or Russia to replenish its inventory.
Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin urgently need orders for the F-15 and F-16 Fighting Falcon to prevent production line gaps from 2008. The Indian request for proposals is expected this autumn, with the winning aircraft likely to be chosen in late 2008 or early 2009. Co-production with India is likely.
Source: Flight Daily News
