The proposal for a manufacturing facility in
India is part of the nation's planned acquisition of 57 carrier-based
multi-role fighter aircraft.
By Stephen Carlson | Aug. 28, 2017 at 12:04 PM
Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Boeing has proposed the
construction of a manufacturing facility in India for the F/A-18 Super Hornet
fighter planes as part of the nation's planned acquisition of 57 carrier-based
multi-role fighter aircraft.
The Indian Navy currently operates the MiG-29K from the
INS Vikramaditya, a modified Russian-built Kiev-class aircraft carrier. India
is currently building the domestically designed Vikrant-class carrier with two
planned.
The Indian Navy has experienced serious maintenance problems with the MiG-29K due to
stress on the airframe during carrier landings, as well as other serviceability
issues. Planes often require significant repairs after routine landings, and
many of the parts can only be secured from Russia.
The issues have led India to issue a requirement
for 57 fighters for future aircraft carriers with several
potential models being considered. Boeing's offer of domestic production of
parts for the F/A-18 would be an advantage due to the logistical problems with
the MiG-29K.
U.S. defense manufacturers having been making significant
inroads in the Indian fighter market. Lockheed Martin secured a deal earlier
this year to start producing the F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon
single-engine jet in India, and there are many details still pending.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the primary carrier and
land-based multi-role fighter of the U.S. Navy and Marine
Corps. It has been widely exported and is expected to serve for decades to
come alongside the F-35. The E/A-18G Growler is an electronic warfare jamming
and anti-radar variant of the series.
Original post: upi.com
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