Boeing offers eight P-8As to Indian Navy

Boeing has bid to sell eight long-range maritime reconaissance and anti-submarine P-8A aircraft to the Indian Navy. The company has also invited India to be its development partner, according to a release by Boeing issued today.

"A high-level team today submitted its proposal to develop and deliver the P-8A aircraft, which is currently under development for the US Navy," Rick Buck, programme manager of Boeing, said.

Buck said the proposed offer for sale of P-8As would be the first direct military sale for Boeing in India.

"The proposed aircraft is expected to undergo first tests in 2009 for the US Navy, and would provide India with futuristic technology and significantly improved maritime patrol and reconissance capability," a Boeing official said.