Boeing joins hands with HAL, Mahindra for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India

Boeing today announced a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India for its air force.

The US aerospace major said the partnership will also work for joint development of future technologies in India, saying it will transform India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.

The announcement was made on the second day of the Defence Expo here.

Boeing said the partnership will be for production of an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India.

"Boeing is excited to team up with India's only company that manufactures combat fighters, HAL, and India's only company that manufactures small commercial airplanes, Mahindra.

"This partnership brings the best of Indian public and private enterprises together in partnership with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing, to accelerate a contemporary 21stcentury ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India, said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.

Last week, India had issued an initial tender or Request For Information for procurement of 110 single and twin seater fighter jets for Indian Air Force in biggest such initiative in recent years globally.