The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant, the Navy's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1), is undergoing lengthy sea trials, after which it will enter operational service late this year. With the 45 Russian MiG-29K/KUB fighters notorious for their unreliability, the Navy plans to urgently procure 26 multi-role carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF) from an international vendor, so that INS Vikrant has more strike options besides the unreliable MiG-29s.
With INS Vikrant likely to be followed by a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) named INS Vishal, another 31 MRCBFs will be acquired to operate off its deck, taking the MRCBF acquisition to 57 fighters.
The Boeing Company (Boeing), the leading contender to supply the MRCBFs, says the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters it is offering are significantly more attractive than the carrier-borne Rafale variant - the Rafale Marine — which French company, Dassault Aviation, is offering.
Alain Garcia, Boeing Defense's business development chief in India, says the Super Hornet offers major operational advantages. The Indian Navy's tender for 26 MRCBFs requires eight twin-seat and only 18 single-seat variants. That is not a problem for Boeing, whose F-18s are all designed -the single-seat F/A-18E and the twin-seat F/A-18F — to be capable of carrier-deck operations.
This story is from the May 16, 2022 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 16, 2022 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Taiwan keen to help India become leader in chip space'
Taiwan is keen to collaborate with India and help it become a leader in the semiconductor space, Jason Ho, chairman of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in India, said, asserting that the Taiwanese companies have the supply chain for things that the Indian market needs.
Adani, Tata eye bigger pie in Mumbai power distribution
Battle for high-value customers heats up amid increased EV penetration
No cancer-causing agents in our products: MDH on quality claims
MDH Spices has denied allegations that its products have traces of cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide (ETO), calling them \"untrue\" and \"lacking any substantiating evidence.
RIGHT TO A FUTURE
The apex court has made an 'observation' on the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change. Can this pave the way to a cleaner future?
How to make insolvency law solvent
The IBC has served the purpose by creating the fear of god among rogue promoters. It's time to plug the loopholes in the law and make the defaulters understand that the IBC isn't just all bark and no bite
Al inside: Tech eases work for IT firms
It simplifies and automates routine tasks and helps employees to focus on the big picture
Shipping to shopping, AI is making food safe
Concerns about food safety rise periodically as more information about the impact of chemicals is revealed.
To fund AI boom, tech plans plumbing upgrade
Microsoft, Meta and Google's parent Alphabet are going to spend billions on infrastructure
Basic fire policy doesn't cover self-ignition
Sanjay Foods, which had its office in Jalgaon, manufactured oil and oil cakes using cotton seeds purchased from ginning and pressing units.
Seniors must strike a balance between premium and co-pay
Too low a premium could mean high co-pay, which would pinch at the time of claim settlement