India, US to Sign Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft Deal
India is understood to be on the verge of signing a multi-million pound military deal with the US, though which it will acquire eight new LRMR (Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance) aircraft for the Indian Navy.
Boeing P-8 Poseidon
The aircraft in question is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, which has not yet flown.
The Poseidon is based on the Boeing 737-800 commercial airliner, but - adapted for military use - will be capable of carrying torpedoes, Harpoon anti-shipping missiles and depth charges.
The Poseidon is intended to replace the US Navy's P-3C Orion aircraft, the service legacy of which extends back over 40 years. However, the US is also looking to export the type to other users of the Orion.
Boeing has offered the P-8 to replace the Russian-built Ilyushin Il-38 May in Indian Naval service - the May being of a similar vintage to the Orion.
Discussions between India and the US are nearing completion and, according to defence officials, the two countries will sign a contract - worth $2.2 billion - later in 2008.
The P-8s for India would be known as P-8Is, incorporating features requested by the Indian Navy.
Indian C-130J Hercules Purchase
The contract, once signed, would be the second of its kind between the US and India of the year.
In February, it was announced that India is to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft.
Indian Jet Fighter Contract
Separately, India is also extremely close to announcing the winner of its jet fighter contract - a hotly anticipated decision. The contract involves the supply of 126 new-generation military combat jets.
Six aircraft manufacturers are in the running. These, along with the aircraft being offered, we detail below:
- Lockheed Martin (offering the F-16 IN)
- Boeing (offering the F/A18E/F Super Hornet)
- Mikoyan (offering the Mig 35)
- Eurofighter (offering the Typhoon)
- Saab (offering the JAS-39 Gripen)
- Dassault (offering the Rafale)
Although an announcement was expected in March, it is now expected that India will announce the winner later this month.
Armed Forces International will cover this, as well as further news on the P-8 Poseidon, as more facts emerge.
Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert
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