Boeing ready to share RFP specified technologies

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): With the technical evaluation over, what are your chances of clinching the deal?

Dr Vivek Lall (Dr Lall): We hope to be invited to the field trials in order to demonstrate the F/A-18IN Super Hornet’s outstanding strengths and capabilities.

SP’s: How is the F/A-18IN better than the fighter aircraft offered by your competitors?

Dr Lall: The F/A-18IN Super Hornet offers India the most advanced see-all, do-all combat fighter in production today, capable of defending the nation from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean with unmatched lethality, pilot safety and the promise of 30-plus years of US Navy-funded upgrades. Further, the Super Hornet’s Life Cycle Cost will meet India’s expressed need for low total ownership cost based on demonstrated high reliability, ease of maintenance and minimal support infrastructure.

SP’s: How is it suitable for India’s military requirements?

Dr Lall: The Boeing proposal, offering the F/A-18IN Super Hornet, we believe meets or exceeds many of the requirements set out on the request for proposal (RFP). The Super Hornet will provide the Indian Air Force with a tactically superior and combat proven multi-role combat capability. The Super Hornet’s exceptional warfighting capability is further enhanced by its renowned reliability, ease of maintenance, and exceptional operational availability—all of which contribute to its low Life Cycle Cost. The Super Hornet includes the latest generation of military technologies. Key technologies, such as its advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, are operational with the USN, which will result in lower programme development and schedule risks than other competing aircraft. The aircraft is projected to be in service with the USN beyond 2035, thereby ensuring the IAF availability of spares and repairables for long-term support.

SP’s: Any comments on the offset clause and transfer of technology (ToT)?

Dr Lall: While we acknowledge the complexities and challenges of India’s offset requirements, Boeing views it as an opportunity to bring long-term mutually beneficial business and industrial benefits to India and to Boeing. To date, Boeing has successfully met or exceeded more than $29 billion (Rs 1,44,655 crore) in offsets in more than 40 countries, and we’re anxious to bring that same experience and the same results to India.

SP’s: Is Boeing ready to share all technologies with India?

Dr Lall: Boeing is prepared, in conformance with US law and regulations, to share all technologies called for by the Government of India in the MMRCA RFP.