Boeing, an aircraft manufacturer, stated on Wednesday a road map to dramatically increase its investments in line with the “Make in India” mission and to transmit advanced technologies to the Indian industry if their jet is selected. The Indian Navy will operate from its aircraft carriers. For the purchase of about 26 jets in the upcoming months, the Navy is anticipated to pick between the French Rafale and the F-18.

Boeing estimates that the F/A-18 Super Hornet, which will be India’s next carrier-based fighter, will have an economic impact of $3.6 billion on the country’s aerospace and defense sector over the next ten years. Alain Garcia, vice-president of India business development for Boeing Defence, Space, Security, and Global Services, stated that the economic impact would go above and beyond Boeing’s present offset commitments and ambitions in the nation.

Each fighter has advantages while some have drawbacks. For instance, the Rafale-M has a twin-seater trainer, but adding one would bring the 36 Rafale fighters of the Indian Air Force into commonality. On the other hand, the F/A-18 is a dedicated carrier-based fighter that has so far been delivered in over 800 units.

The Navy lacks aircraft to operate from both of its carriers, and with the first indigenous carrier Vikrant possibly being commissioned next week, the procurement has become more urgent. The only carrier using the Mi9-29K at the moment is INS Vikramaditya.

Although 45 aircraft were initially ordered from Russia, Navy authorities had already said that after Vikrant is put into service, their availability will not be sufficient to meet the needs of both carriers.

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