The Indian government has been looking for a new source for up to 400 jets for the Indian Air Force after the cancelation of the 126-plane Dassault deal in 2015.
While Lockheed has partnered with salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group to bid for the current 110 fighter jet contract with the F-16, and Saab teaming up with Gautem Adani, the Indian billionaire, to bid with its Gripen jet, Boeing has joined the race after teaming up with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to offer its F/A Super Hornet. The deal is expected to be worth a figure in excess of US$15 billion.
As part of the deal’s mandate and in line with Prime Minister Narendra’s ‘Make in India’ policy, at least 85% of any aircraft must be built locally. The government’s search for fighter jets began over 15 years ago and a condition of the current bidding is that delivery must start within three years of a contract being signed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely keen to acquire new military aircraft as the South Asian nation faces increased risks from neighboring Pakistan and China and it is currently phasing out its existing jets, Russian MIG fighters.
