In this interview, Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar talks to SP’s Aviation and shares his perspective on why India should seriously consider the F/A-18 Super Hornet for its fighter requirements and how it would achieve the dual purposes of providing capability to the warfighters and industrial capability to build India’s aerospace industry.
SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How do you feel about fighter opportunities for both the Navy and Air Force?
Pratyush Kumar (Kumar): One look at the decks of United States Navy’s aircraft carriers and the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet and you’ll see advanced, combat-proven strike capability. The Super Hornet is the multi-role solution for the Navy and international air force customers. The Royal Australian Air Force operates 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers.
The Super Hornet would be a good option for India to evaluate for its Navy and Air Force’s fighter requirements due to its combat proven multi-role capabilities, advanced survivability, with room to grow and having the lowest cost per flight hour among all US tactical combat fighters including single engine fighters.
The Super Hornet brings the latest generation of technologies to the warfighter. With designed-in stealth and robust capability growth plan, the Super Hornet is the best aircraft to get to India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
Boeing is deeply committed to expanding its industrial partnership for producing Super Hornets in India, further developing the country’s aerospace ecosystem. Boeing will work closely with Indian industry to ensure they have the very latest technologies, applying lessons learned from the current Super Hornet production line.
SP’s: What would be the best approach for India as it evaluates strengthening its fighter capability?
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