Boeing has been a Strong Partner in Mission Readiness and Modernization

IN CONVERSATION ‘BOEING HAS BEEN A STRONG PARTNER IN MISSION READINESS AND MODERNIZATION OF INDIA’S DEFENCE FORCES’ S

urendra Ahuja is the Managing Director of Boeing Defence India (BDI). A retired Rear Admiral, Ahuja is in charge of delivering on Boeing’s commitments to its Indian defence customers while positioning it for new business opportunities. In an interview to Raksha Anirveda, he dwelt upon Boeing’s commitment towards India’s defense programs.

Edited excerpts.

Please provide an update on

Boeing Defence activities in India including sourcing activities and partnerships with Indian firms?

India is at the front and center of significant opportunities for Boeing. Boeing has been a strong partner in the mission readiness and modernization of the country’s defence forces. Our proven portfolio of products and services offer unmatched operational capabilities across the entire mission spectrum. Today, India has 11 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, eight P-8Is (with four more on order), 22 AH-64E Apaches (with six more on order) and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinooks, all Boeing platforms.

Our sourcing from India stands at US$1 billion a year from more than 225 suppliers who are manufacturing critical systems and components for some of Boeing’s most advanced products. We are working closely with our suppliers in India to support supply chain health, identify new ways to drive innovation, and deliver greater value to our customers. Boeing continues to grow a globally competitive supplier base in India, with strong partnerships that are aligned with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) in Hyderabad, Boeing’s joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), is manufacturing Apache fuselages for customers around the globe. Dynamatic Technologies manufactures the ramp and complex aft pylon for the Chinook heavylift helicopters. Similarly, Rossell Techsys manufactures wire harness and electrical panel for the AH-64 Apache, and the harness for V-22 Osprey. SASMOS HET Technologies manufactures electrical panel assemblies and wire harness for the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15 Strike Eagle. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) manufactures F/A-18 gun bay doors and wire harnesses, and P-8I weapons bay doors and identification friend-or-foe transponders. These are just a few examples of the work done by our Indian suppliers.

What is the update on deliveries of Apache, Chinook and P-8I for the Indian armed forces?

Boeing completed the deliveries of all AH-64E Apache and CH-47F (I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) this year. The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF in July. Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook heavylift helicopters to the IAF.

The Indian Navy (IN) currently operates a fleet of eight P-8Is with four more on order. The first of the four aircraft will be delivered this year, and the remaining three in 2021.

Now that there are a large number of P-8Is and C-17s in India, how is Boeing looking to involve local Indian personnel and companies in their maintenance?

We are working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy (IN) to provide operational capability and readiness for the P-8Is, the C-17s and the Head of State aircraft through sustenance contracts and for the Chinook and Apache fleets through warranty support. Ensuring mission readiness of our customers and providing them seamless services and support on our platforms is an imperative for Boeing. Boeing’s local sustainment support footprint is enhancing responsiveness on sustainment and training contracts.

Boeing AH-64E Apache

Boeing supports the IAF C-17 fleet under the Globemaster Integrated Support Program (GISP) that maintains high mission capability rates by providing them access to an extensive support network for parts availability and economies of scale. India’s P-8I fleet is also supported through Boeing’s services business by providing spares, ground support equipment and field service representative support. Boeing’s integrated logistics support has enabled the highest state of fleet readiness at the lowest possible costs. Since induction, the Indian Navy P-8I fleet has surpassed 29,000 flight hours. Boeing’s training and support package for the P-8I promises to increase proficiency in a shorter time, while reducing the onaircraft training time resulting in increased aircraft availability for mission tasking. A 60,000 sq. ft. Training Support and Data Handling Centre is being set up at INS Rajali, Arakkonam (the base for P-8I fleet), with a secondary centre at Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), Kochi. We are also working with Indian companies to develop capabilities in the country so that they can perform maintenance locally, including heavy checks and supply of indigenous equipment. Airworks Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with Boeing, successfully completed the first heavy maintenance check for the first P-8I in 2019. We plan to continue working with Air Works for similar checks on the remaining aircraft. Further capability development planning is in the works to support the growing P-8I fleet, improving the local aviation ecosystem while ensuring quicker turnaround for the Indian Navy.

Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet

What are the opportunities you’re seeing in the Indian space sector?

We’re proud of India’s recent strides in space exploration and ambitions towards human space flights before August 2022. It is a testimony to the country’s innovation, determination and full embrace of the challenges of space. Notwithstanding our six decades of space experience, Boeing is inspired by what India has achieved and it’s aspirations for the future. We look forward to partnering with ISRO in their endeavours.

Please elaborate on Boeing’s response to the IN fighter RFI and further steps?

Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet offers unique and differentiated advantages to the Indian Navy. The F/A-18 is the most advanced, combat proven, multi-role naval frontline fighter and will augment the collaboration between the US Navy and Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Navy stands to benefit from the multi-billion dollar investments that have gone into infusing new technologies in the aircraft by the US Navy and by several international customers.

Boeing’s plan is to offer ‘By India, For India’ sustainment program that will build on other successful sustainment programs that Boeing is executing for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy today, to sustain the F/A-18 Super Hornets from India. Boeing has responded to the Indian Navy’s RFI and we continue to work with the Navy through the process.

What is the reason for Boeing’s offer of the F-15 EX to the IAF for its requirement for 114 aircraft?

The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force have distinct operational needs for fighters. While awaiting further definition on the Indian Air Force’s requirements, we have requested a license for the F-15EX so that we’re ready to share the full spectrum of potential solutions across our fighter portfolio when appropriate.

What is the status of global P-8 orders and deliveries and aircraft delivery rate?

In September 2020, Boeing delivered the 99th full production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy, with six additional jets used as Engineering Manufacturing Development test aircraft. There is a robust demand for P-8 aircraft. Boeing has delivered 12 jets to the Royal Australian Air Force, and is under nine aircraft in contract to the UK’s Royal Air Force with two delivered. Also, as you know eight P-8Is have already been delivered to the Indian Navy, with four more on order. Further, Norway has five under contract, New Zealand has four under contract and the Republic of Korea has six under contract.

The P-8 is a proven long-range multimission maritime patrol aircraft capable of maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A military derivative of the Boeing 737 Next-Generation airplane, the P-8 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the battle space.

88TH

ANNIVERSARY

IAF @ 88: ADVERSARIES ENVY, NATION’S PRIDE

The Indian Air Force (IAF) ranks fourth among the air forces of the world. Currently, IAF enjoys a unique position of having the most diversified range of aircraft in its inventory. It is to the credit of IAF’s innovative technical skill that most of the assets are fully operational till date. The journey of IAF since its official establishment on October 8, 1932 has been eventful and has evolved itself as a mature and modern force to efficiently and effectively meet the challenges of the future.

In 1932, the IAF’s aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes. As Indian Air Force celebrates its 88th Foundation Day on October 8 this year the wide range and numbers of aircraft inventory displays the vibrant strength of the Force to defend Indian airspace. Today,

IAF has 33 squadrons of fighter aircraft along with adequate number of trainers, transport aircraft and attack helicopters. The coming decade will add more teeth to IAF’s overall combat and operational strength with indigenous efforts and technological prowess.

Raksha Anirveda through its photo feature comprising its diversified assets attempts to capture the major milestones and combat preparedness of IAF….