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Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is expecting the defence ministry to send out request for proposals (RFPs) to various companies within six-to-eight weeks for buying 126 fighter jets, a senior executive of the aerospace firm said today.
“I have internal planning right now. We have been talking to a number of people in Indian Air Force and the ministry of defence, and we are looking at the potential of an RFP before the end of this year,” Chris Chadwick, vice-president and general manager (global strike systems) of Boeing, said.
Global strike systems is a division of the precision engagement and mbility systems business unit of Boeing, and is a major contender in the running for the multi-billion dollar contract.
Chadwick said he and his colleague Jerry C Vincent, who looks after business development -India (F/A-18E/F/G Super Hornet, Integrated Defense Systems) are very focussed on multi-role combat aircraft and on competition.
“I can tell you, in the US, the cost of an F-18 for Navy requirements is in the $50 million range,” Chadwick said. “It's extremely competitive. Our cost, capability and value is very high,” he added.
