Singapore: The Indian Air force has
expressed interest in acquiring six more C-17 heavy lift
transport aircraft, in addition to a contract for 10, the US
defence giant Boeing said on Tuesday.
"Indian Air Force has expressed for six more C-17s," Paul
Lewis, Director of International Communications for Defence,
Space and Security said.
Five of the 10 aircraft will be delivered by next year
and the other five in 2014, he said. The deal for supplying
10 C-17 aircraft is USD 4.1 billion.
Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime
petrol airplane, Poseidon P8-I, early next year to the Indian
Navy, he said at the Singapore Airshow being held from
February 14 to 19. The P8-1 contract is worth USD 2.1 billion.
The Navy also has option to order four more of the P8-1,
anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft in addition
to the 8-unit contract.
These are Boeing`s current contracts with India, a
defence hardware market worth USD 30 billion for the coming
years, added Mark E Kronenberg, vice-president for
International business development for Integrated Defence
Systems during briefing of the group`s Indian market plans.
"Boeing is also negotiating to supply 22 AH64 Apache
helicopters and 15 CH 47 Chinook helicopters, the Boeing
officials said. The Chinook contract is at industrial proposal
discussion stage which includes modification to the
helicopters to Indian specification," said Lewis.
Elaborating on Boeing`s interest in Indian defence
hardware investment, Kronenberg said his group was exploring
all potential opportunities in the Indian market.
This includes Sabre warfare system and maritime
surveillance systems.
"Additionally, we are also to provide support services
and training," he said.
PTI
