CHENNAI: Day 2 of DefExpo saw global defence majors sharpening their pitch for Indian Air Force’s mega contract of 110 fighter jets. While Sweden’s Saab Technologies pushed its Gripen-E fighter jet with an eye on the $15-billion order, US aerospace major Boeing announced a partnership with Hindustan AeronauticsLtd and Mahindra Defence Systems to manufacture F/A 18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India. There was no official word on the exact location of Boeing’s proposed plant but sources said the facility could come up in the newly proposed defence industrial corridor in Tamil Nadu.
While the partnership was floated with Indian Air Force’s bulk contract for fighter jets in mind, the consortium is also looking at building other fighter jets like Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft at the proposed facility. Sources, though, said MoU will take shape only after the Air Force deal is awarded.
Meanwhile, the US defence major is planning to expand its operations in India by enhancing local partners from 160 to 400. “We could evolve them in building the Super Hornet in India,” said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.