India's coastguard is reconsidering a jet solution for its maritime surveillance requirement, while the country's navy continues to evaluate a range of platforms for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.
The coastguard had initially focused on turboprop aircraft after inviting manufacturers to make presentations late last year. But industry sources say it is now accepting new proposals on jets after issuing revised range and endurance requirements.
At the moment, the coastguard operates a fleet of Dornier 228s for maritime surveillance and search and rescue, but is considering expanding into maritime patrol tasks with its new aircraft.
Turboprops under consideration are the Antonov An-140, ATR 42, EADS Casa CN-235 and the Fokker 50, with Embraer's ERJ-145 and Dassault's Falcon 900 regional and business jets now also being studied. Dassault hopes that India will sign up as launch customer for a new maritime patrol/surveillance variant of its Falcon 900EX.
The Indian navy is looking to acquire new medium- or long-range aircraft for maritime patrol and ASW tasks, but has yet to issue a formal tender.
The US government last year offered up to 12 surplus Lockheed Martin P-3 Orions, but sources suggest India has decided to look at other options after Pakistan's decision to acquire eight additional P-3Cs.
The navy is believed to have requested information on the USA's developmental Boeing P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft and possible new Airbus derivatives. The service has already received presentations on the EADS Casa C-295, ERJ-145 and Fokker 50 and is willing to consider other aircraft that could meet a potential medium-range requirement.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
