US aerospace major Boeing is reconsidering the transfer of technology (ToT) for the cutting edge technology radar of its FA/18 Super Hornet fighter, which is one of the contenders for the Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 multi-role combat aircraft.
Responding to a question on the sidelines of the Defexpo 2008 jointly organised by the ministry of defence and CII, Chris Chadwick, president of Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems of Boeing Integrated Defence Systems, said, ?I can confirm that we will be complying with all the requirements of the request for proposal (RFP) we have received from the IAF and that includes technology transfer for the AESA radar.?
It maybe recalled that almost a year ago, the Boeing had ruled out transferring technology for the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that enables the F-18 seamlessly shift into an AWACS (airborne warning and control system) mode while flying on a combat mission.
ToT and licensed manufacture in the country is mandatory under India’s Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), which was laid out in 2006. This procedure is now being fine-tuned in relation to the offsets clause, under which 30% of all defence deals worth over Rs 300 crore have to be re-invested in India.
According to Chadwick, the company has readied a fully compliant proposal in response to the request for proposal for the 126 MMRCA for IAF, and, ? will submit this three days early (against the March 3 deadline)?.
?We are very well positioned to establish a long-term relationship with the IAF and the ministry of defence,? Chadwick added.