Boeing is considering offering its F-15EX Advanced Eagle combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to meet the service’s long-running programme to procure more than 100 fighter aircraft.
A spokesperson from Boeing told Jane’s at the Singapore Airshow on 13 February that the US corporation is seeking approvals from the US government to support any future move to formally propose the F-15EX platform to the IAF.
Boeing has requested a licence from the US government to support a potential move to offer its F-15EX Advanced Eagles to the Indian Air Force. (Jane’s/Gareth Jennings)
Under the US government’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), such approvals would be required by Boeing in order to hold talks with the IAF about the F-15EX’s technical attributes.
“While awaiting further definition on the Indian Air Force’s requirements, we have requested a licence for the F-15EX so that we’re ready to share the full spectrum of potential solutions across our fighter portfolio when appropriate,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson confirmed that any Boeing move to offer the F-15EX would not displace its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from bidding for the IAF requirement. Both platforms would be proposed. In India the F/A-18E/F is also positioned for the Indian Navy (IN) requirement to procure fighter aircraft to be operated from aircraft carriers.
The spokesperson said, “The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force have distinct operational needs for fighters…. We continue to offer the F/A-18 Super Hornet to both the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and our F-15 programme is experiencing a resurgence in interest in the US and around the world.”
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