Boeing aims to beat Indian arms limits (with Israeli help!!)

Flight International ^ | 11/07/06 | By Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv

[sukhoi-30mki]

Boeing aims to beat Indian arms limits

By Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv

Boeing is evaluating the possibility of offering its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to India equipped with Israeli-made avionics in an effort to bypass the US government’s opposition to the export of some US-produced systems to the country. India is expected to consider the Super Hornet design for a new air force requirement for 126 new lightweight fighters, a request for proposals (RFP) for which is expected to be released later this year.

The invitation for Israeli companies to participate in the project is also being based on the strong bilateral relations that exist between the Indian and Israeli defence establishments, says one Boeing source. Israeli firms have over recent years enjoyed considerable success in selling equipment such as airborne and land-based early-warning radars, anti-radiation drones and unmanned air vehicle systems to the Indian armed forces.

Boeing and Israeli officials are reluctant to identify systems that could be purchased from Israeli manufacturers, but it is believed that the focus will be on the replacement of some advanced sensors and weapon systems. The Boeing response to India’s RFP will also include proposals for the licensed or local production of the Super Hornet, the company says.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Ping!!!

[MimirsWell]

Add me on the desi pinglist.

Well, I jope India gets the best deal on this. Having Israelis on board makes it better than most other options.

[The Lion Roars]

This, after the anti-israel vote by India in the UN!! This is a non starter. A Russian Jet with Israeli Avionics and the EL/M 2052 Radar will be cheaper and more attractive. Boeing should stick to its own avionics suit and the APG 79 AESA radar.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Perhaps a Russian jet will be purchased(for numbers) along with an American jet.The Israelis seem to have the good sense to understand what you don't-That the substance of Indo-Israeli ties will not be decided by the style requirements of Arab states.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel.

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[Alexander Rubin]

Hrmmm...I hope the US takes a closer look at this deal and approves it. It sounds fine, but you can't be too careful...

[dervish]

"This, after the anti-israel vote by India in the UN!! "

That vote was very disturbing.

[Southack]

This is a huge slap in the face to the French (re their proposed sale of fighters to India).

And with good reason. France is opposing India obtaining UN Veto power, opposing India's ally the U.S. in Iraq, opposing India's right to nuclear defenses, and in general siding with China over India in all diplomatic questions/issues.

All of the above are preposterous positions for France to hold, by the way. It's ridiculous that Europe has 2 UN vetos (France and UK), but that India has none. It's unconscionable that tiny France can have nuclear weapons, but not a great (and responsible) power like India, etc.

New alliances are being formed. It is instructive to remember that Japan and Italy were our allies in WW1, yet turned on us in WW2, only to turn back to our side shortly thereafter (or during!).

France is choosing her side, and that side is going to be different than our past alliances.

India has noticed...

[sukhoi-30mki]

Umm a few pretty factual "debatable" points have been made by you.The French have openly backed India for the UNSC(leaving aside the veto,heck even the Russians are non-committal)-the US is yet to make a clear statement of it's position.They supported India or rather didn't oppose it after it's N-tests & have been looking for the NSG restrictions to be lifted(via the US N-deal).Sino-Indo disputes have not figured in the UN or UNSC for a long while & to be honest,France has been more supportive of India,barring Russia & the UK.Before Im getting too mushy with French rhetoric-they are doing this for business.

About French fighters,while the French Mirage-2005 was the odds-on favourite when this Indian fighter requirement got announced in 1999.It got buried with the Indo-US N-deal which made the purchase of a US platform almost inevitable.The Rafale is being offered to India,but it's a platform which still needs much development.

[spetznaz]

Please add me to your ping list. Gracias.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Umm to be honest,Ive tried to ping you to many an article-problem being ive messed up your idname!!!!!!!!!!!!