Aviation

Boeing pitches Super Hornets for Indian Navy

In line with the “Make in India” mission and to transmit advanced technologies to the Indian industry if their jet is selected.

Indian Navy receives F/A-18 Super Hornets from Boeing

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.

Source:

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.