Jane Edwards
The Indian government has called on the air force to consider both single- and twin-engine fighter jets for a potential $15 billion program to replace its fleet of combat aircraft, Reuters reported Thursday.
A defense ministry source told Reuters the government also asked the air force to assess the Boeing-built F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft for the program, which initially considered single-engine jets.
India“™s defense agency plans to release a request for information for the fighter procurement plan within weeks, the source noted.
“We will follow the MoD“™s lead on their process and will be responsive to their needs if we are asked to provide any information,“ said Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing“™s Indian arm.
Boeing is also competing for the Indian navy“™s potential $9 billion contract to purchase 57 fighter jets.
Other potential contenders for the air force“™s fighter procurement effort include Lockheed Martin, Saab and Dassault Systemes, the report added.
