Boeing, HAL, Mahindra join hands to produce fighter jets

Tribune News Service

Chennai, April 12

US aerospace giant Boeing on Thursday announced a tie-up with public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India.

The US aerospace major Boeing has bid for the 57 jets required by the Navy and is also expected to be in race for the recent tender of 110 jets for the Air Force.

The HAL, which had a turnover of more than Rs 10,000 crore last year, is already making Tejas light combat jet that uses an American engine. The partnership was announced at the DefExpo here on Thursday.

Pratyush Kumar, Boeing India president, said: “Our partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable us to optimise the full potential of India’s public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities.

“Together we can deliver an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India, while adding growth momentum to the Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill development, innovation and engineering and job creation,” he added.

T Suvarna Raju, HAL chairman and managing director, said, “The partnership with Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems will create an opportunity to develop capabilities of the aerospace industry and strengthen indigenous platforms in India.”

The F/A-18 Super Hornet “Make in India” proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilised for other programmes, including India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Boeing says the plane is the least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind. It will be in race as a carrier (naval) and land-based multi-role fighter.