WolfPack86
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MMRCA Redux in India’s New Fighter Aircraft Selection
F-18 Advanced Super Hornet
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WolfPack86
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US Navy awards Raytheon $291 million for AIM-9X
TUCSON, Ariz., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $291 million contract award for production of the AIM-9X Sidewinder® missile, one of the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles in the world. The contract is for All Up Round Tactical Full Rate Production Lot 16 of the Block II missiles for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and the governments of Japan, Norway and Taiwan.
This contract modification also provides for the procurement of AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, containers and spare components for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, as well as numerous U.S. allies.
Most of the work will take place in Tucson, and is expected to be complete by March 2019.
About AIM-9X
http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-07-12-US-Navy-awards-Raytheon-291-million-for-AIM-9X
TUCSON, Ariz., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $291 million contract award for production of the AIM-9X Sidewinder® missile, one of the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles in the world. The contract is for All Up Round Tactical Full Rate Production Lot 16 of the Block II missiles for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and the governments of Japan, Norway and Taiwan.
This contract modification also provides for the procurement of AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, containers and spare components for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, as well as numerous U.S. allies.
Most of the work will take place in Tucson, and is expected to be complete by March 2019.
About AIM-9X
- AIM-9X is a U.S. Navy-led, joint Navy and U.S. Air Force program, with program offices in Patuxent River, Maryland, and Tucson, Arizona.
- Raytheon has been producing AIM-9X missiles for more than 14 years.
- AIM-9X entered operational service in 2003; international deliveries began in 2005.
- AIM-9X Block II, which adds a datalink capability, successfully completed operational testing and began full-rate production in 2015.
- The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability with the Block II in March 2015.
- The Block II will also be the baseline effector for the U.S. Army Indirect Fires Protection Capability, Increment 2- Intercept, making AIM-9X a true dual-use missile, effective in either air-to-air or surface-to-air applications without the need for modifications to the missile.
- AIM-9X currently has 21 international customers. This includes nine original Block I customers, followed by 12 new and six repeat Block II customers. Block II deliveries to international customers will begin in 2016.
- AIM-9X reliability for the currently fielded system has exceeded three times the required mean time between failures.
http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-07-12-US-Navy-awards-Raytheon-291-million-for-AIM-9X
WolfPack86
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The report also mentions that India has officially turned down ” Make in India ” F-16 offer from Lockheed Martin and is currently going through proposals submitted by Swedish SAAB for their Gripen E and American Boeing’s F-18s combat fighter jets with Transfer of Technology to be made in India .
http://idrw.org/source-idrw-news-network/
http://idrw.org/source-idrw-news-network/
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According to a report prepared by Financial Express , after Lockheed Martin failed to create Indian interest in their legacy F-16 fighter jets , is currently preparing to offer its latest 5th generation F-35A to Indian Air force to meet its requirements for 90 combat fighter jets above 36 Rafale fighter jets currently been negotiated with France . The report also mentions that India has officially turned down ” Make in India ” F-16 offer from Lockheed Martin and is currently going through proposals submitted by Swedish SAAB for their Gripen E and American Boeing’s F-18s combat fighter jets with Transfer of Technology to be made in India
http://idrw.org/source-idrw-news-network/
http://idrw.org/source-idrw-news-network/
WolfPack86
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However, after getting clearances from the Obama administration on what information can be provided to India by the two aerospace companies, Lockheed Martin is expected to offer F-35 for the Indian Air Force and Boeing might offer making more parts that could be fitted on board the F-18s.
http://www.defencenews.in/article/P...to-India-in-upcoming-tech-transfer-talks-6936
http://www.defencenews.in/article/P...to-India-in-upcoming-tech-transfer-talks-6936
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F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet
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Boeing To Clarify F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet Make In India Offer
Boeing is set to meet the Indian defense ministry to offer details on its offer to set up an assembly line for the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India.Shelly Lavender, President and CEO of Boeing Military Aircraft, told Indian journalists at the Farnborough Air Show 2016 held earlier this month, that Boeing and the U.S. Government would be meeting the defense ministry again to expand their proposal.
“We will be there later this month to go through the details,” said Lavender.
As reported by StratPost, the U.S. Government and Boeing had submitted proposals for the setting up of an assembly line for the Super Hornet in India, last April. At the same time, the U.S. Government had also submitted proposals along with Lockheed Martin for the transfer of the F-16 assembly line to India.
According to Lavender, Boeing’s big pitch here is its ability to leverage it’s commercial and defense businesses to create an ‘eco-system’ for the growth of the aerospace industry in India.
Outlining Boeing’s offer for the first time, she said, “When you think of Make in India, we’re the right partner to do that because we have such a global supply base to work with and we can also leverage our partners. So partners like – on the super hornet – Raytheon, GE, Northrop – how do all of us go together into India to help create that eco-system.”
“We believe we bring a lot of capability to India that no other competitor brings because there are no other competitors that have the commercial side and the defense side,” pointed out Lavender.
The Proposal
The kits are just the very beginning to get us started. – Shelly Lavender
“We’re (proposing) standing up a brand new line for the Super Hornet (in addition to the St Louis line). It would be a full-up, capable line in India,” said Lavender, clarifying, “The Super Hornet backlog is solid and we can see it clearly going out well into the 2020s.”
To begin with, Boeing has proposed the initial assembly of kits for the Super Hornet in India. “If you’re going to build an aircraft on Day 01, perhaps you don’t build all the parts in that factory on Day 01. We deliver kits and you assemble and do all the testing and the flyaway. Maybe you do that for a set amount of time. And then you start feeding in those other aspects as time moves on. On Day 01, it’s not the entire eco-system – magically sprinkle dust and it appears. It’s about developing it over time and how can we work together – perhaps we start with delivering kits to your industry and they assemble and then they deliver those assemblies to that final assembly plant – so its about working together to develop over time,” said Lavender.
“That’s just the start for say the first few aircraft,” she said.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an eco-system to a whole new level and that know-how isn’t just about fighters, that know-how is about aerospace. – Shelly Lavender
“By the time you get through your production run, it will be truly Make in India – structure, composites, parts – it’s how do we get it going and on Day 01, it’s some set of kits – and I’m not walking through the exact plan but you’ve got to start somewhere. But absolutely the intent and the plan is by the end it is truly Make in India and I think the fascinating thing here is we’re not starting from Ground Zero,” she said.
Make in India
With it’s supply chain, Lavender thinks Boeing is in a good position to Make in India. “Currently on the Super Hornet, we have 800 suppliers that provide parts, capabilities, talent to create a Super Hornet. Imagine the opportunity when we can take what those 800 suppliers are doing, transfer the technology and have that work down in India. That creates an eco system of contract management, supplier management, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, testing, quality, customer experience, customer engagement,” she said.
Indian Suppliers
Lavender offered examples of Boeing’s existing work in India to bolster the company’s credentials for Make in India.
“We have many Indian suppliers as part of our products today. On our P-8s on our Apaches on our Chinooks – so this isn’t a stretch. There’re also parts for commercial – so we know industry well. We know the capability. We’ve been doing business for seventy years (in India) and its very capable. It has to be affordable and we completely agree and there will be investment involved to stand up additional capability. But for a production run of 90 aircraft, 100 aircraft, 200 aircraft – whatever it ends up being – that business case will pan out,” she said.
Not MMRCA
This contest to build fighter aircraft in India is without any RFI or RFP, without any laid down technical specifications. Lavender thinks that this time, the selection will depend more on the industrial offer and how it promotes Make in India.
“We have been advised not to consider this as an MMRCA extension or competition – this is completely different than anything – than MMRCA. Yes, it’s about the capability of the aircraft, of course, but this is more about the eco-system,” she said.
How Many Fighters?
Boeing has not made an offer contingent to a specific number of aircraft. This is because the defense ministry is considering proposals to build single engine fighters as well, with proposals from Lockheed Martin for the F-16 and SAAB for the Gripen. And Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has indicated on several occasions that his ministry could be considering the setting up of two new, separate fighter aircraft assembly lines.
“That depends on – am I going do a twin and a single, or do I do one? It depends on what that selection is. But even if there are two selected, I believe the quantity is high enough, because the gap is high enough that the business case will close,” said Lavender, adding, “I think each of the offers would probably have a different number in mind, so it wouldn’t be right for me to speculate to give you a general number.”
Boeing had pitched it’s F/A-18 Super Hornet for a 2007 Indian Air Force (IAF) tender for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), competing with the Russian MiG-35, Saab Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16, but was eliminated after the shortlist, which consisted of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the French Dassault Rafale. The Rafale was selected L1, but negotiations failed and the tender was withdrawn last year. The Indian government is currently negotiating separately for 36 Rafale fighters, off the shelf.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/07/boeing-to-clarify-fa-18-make-in-india.html
Boeing is set to meet the Indian defense ministry to offer details on its offer to set up an assembly line for the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India.Shelly Lavender, President and CEO of Boeing Military Aircraft, told Indian journalists at the Farnborough Air Show 2016 held earlier this month, that Boeing and the U.S. Government would be meeting the defense ministry again to expand their proposal.
“We will be there later this month to go through the details,” said Lavender.
As reported by StratPost, the U.S. Government and Boeing had submitted proposals for the setting up of an assembly line for the Super Hornet in India, last April. At the same time, the U.S. Government had also submitted proposals along with Lockheed Martin for the transfer of the F-16 assembly line to India.
According to Lavender, Boeing’s big pitch here is its ability to leverage it’s commercial and defense businesses to create an ‘eco-system’ for the growth of the aerospace industry in India.
Outlining Boeing’s offer for the first time, she said, “When you think of Make in India, we’re the right partner to do that because we have such a global supply base to work with and we can also leverage our partners. So partners like – on the super hornet – Raytheon, GE, Northrop – how do all of us go together into India to help create that eco-system.”
“We believe we bring a lot of capability to India that no other competitor brings because there are no other competitors that have the commercial side and the defense side,” pointed out Lavender.
The Proposal
The kits are just the very beginning to get us started. – Shelly Lavender
“We’re (proposing) standing up a brand new line for the Super Hornet (in addition to the St Louis line). It would be a full-up, capable line in India,” said Lavender, clarifying, “The Super Hornet backlog is solid and we can see it clearly going out well into the 2020s.”
To begin with, Boeing has proposed the initial assembly of kits for the Super Hornet in India. “If you’re going to build an aircraft on Day 01, perhaps you don’t build all the parts in that factory on Day 01. We deliver kits and you assemble and do all the testing and the flyaway. Maybe you do that for a set amount of time. And then you start feeding in those other aspects as time moves on. On Day 01, it’s not the entire eco-system – magically sprinkle dust and it appears. It’s about developing it over time and how can we work together – perhaps we start with delivering kits to your industry and they assemble and then they deliver those assemblies to that final assembly plant – so its about working together to develop over time,” said Lavender.
“That’s just the start for say the first few aircraft,” she said.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an eco-system to a whole new level and that know-how isn’t just about fighters, that know-how is about aerospace. – Shelly Lavender
“By the time you get through your production run, it will be truly Make in India – structure, composites, parts – it’s how do we get it going and on Day 01, it’s some set of kits – and I’m not walking through the exact plan but you’ve got to start somewhere. But absolutely the intent and the plan is by the end it is truly Make in India and I think the fascinating thing here is we’re not starting from Ground Zero,” she said.
Make in India
With it’s supply chain, Lavender thinks Boeing is in a good position to Make in India. “Currently on the Super Hornet, we have 800 suppliers that provide parts, capabilities, talent to create a Super Hornet. Imagine the opportunity when we can take what those 800 suppliers are doing, transfer the technology and have that work down in India. That creates an eco system of contract management, supplier management, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, testing, quality, customer experience, customer engagement,” she said.
Indian Suppliers
Lavender offered examples of Boeing’s existing work in India to bolster the company’s credentials for Make in India.
“We have many Indian suppliers as part of our products today. On our P-8s on our Apaches on our Chinooks – so this isn’t a stretch. There’re also parts for commercial – so we know industry well. We know the capability. We’ve been doing business for seventy years (in India) and its very capable. It has to be affordable and we completely agree and there will be investment involved to stand up additional capability. But for a production run of 90 aircraft, 100 aircraft, 200 aircraft – whatever it ends up being – that business case will pan out,” she said.
Not MMRCA
This contest to build fighter aircraft in India is without any RFI or RFP, without any laid down technical specifications. Lavender thinks that this time, the selection will depend more on the industrial offer and how it promotes Make in India.
“We have been advised not to consider this as an MMRCA extension or competition – this is completely different than anything – than MMRCA. Yes, it’s about the capability of the aircraft, of course, but this is more about the eco-system,” she said.
How Many Fighters?
Boeing has not made an offer contingent to a specific number of aircraft. This is because the defense ministry is considering proposals to build single engine fighters as well, with proposals from Lockheed Martin for the F-16 and SAAB for the Gripen. And Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has indicated on several occasions that his ministry could be considering the setting up of two new, separate fighter aircraft assembly lines.
“That depends on – am I going do a twin and a single, or do I do one? It depends on what that selection is. But even if there are two selected, I believe the quantity is high enough, because the gap is high enough that the business case will close,” said Lavender, adding, “I think each of the offers would probably have a different number in mind, so it wouldn’t be right for me to speculate to give you a general number.”
Boeing had pitched it’s F/A-18 Super Hornet for a 2007 Indian Air Force (IAF) tender for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), competing with the Russian MiG-35, Saab Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16, but was eliminated after the shortlist, which consisted of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the French Dassault Rafale. The Rafale was selected L1, but negotiations failed and the tender was withdrawn last year. The Indian government is currently negotiating separately for 36 Rafale fighters, off the shelf.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/07/boeing-to-clarify-fa-18-make-in-india.html
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Boeing To Clarify F/A-18 Make In India Offer
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Boeing to make a full fledged presentation to India regarding its F-18 Super Hornet offer for the Indian Air Force.
A delegation led by the President and CEO of Boeing Military Aircraft is expected to visit India this month end.
https://www.facebook.com/IADnews/
A delegation led by the President and CEO of Boeing Military Aircraft is expected to visit India this month end.
https://www.facebook.com/IADnews/
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F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet
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F/A-18 Growler fighter jet
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F/A-18 Advanced Super Hornet fighter jet
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F/A-18 Growler fighter jet
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F/A-18 Growler fighter jet
@WolfPack86 if USA offers the Block III advanced Super Hornets I think its definitely worth a look
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Remember Boeing’s Make in India F-18 offer which comes with Rider ? there is more to that
In our Previous article, we had mentioned that US Aerospace giant Boeing recently offered to produce its legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet in India but it came with one big one major rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets which are way more than 126 aircraft India had sought to purchase under MMRCA tender in the first place. Idrw.org at recently concluded Defexpo 2016 in Goa had Chat with Boeing representative who was manning the stall and was also designated person for Queries on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets and its India prospect. Boeing official confirmed to idrw.org that Boeing is not planning to tie up with any Indian Private or Public defence partner to manufacture F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in India . Boeing India its Indian subsidiary will be lead integrator for producing F/A-18E/F fighter jets in India with major chunk of work to be outsourced to many Indian defence partners like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) which will be tasked to develop various subsystems and also to manufacture major aerostructures of F/A-18E/F fighter jets. Indian partners will also be tasked to produce many spare parts for the jet while it is operated by Indian Air Force . When asked about the possible sale of Boeing’s electronic warfare based EA-18G Growler to India , he responded by saying that ” India particularly has not asked for it , and explained that Growler is Airborne electronic warfare aircraft in operation with US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) . Boeing official confirmed that Advanced Super Hornet upgrades package which involves many low observability techs like Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP), Conformal Fuel tanks (CFT) which put aircraft at par to a Semi-Stealth aircraft will be offered to India . When asked about a rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets to manufacture this jets in India , he responded by saying that ” We are working with Airforce and India to establish a number of jets needed by them “.
http://idrw.org/remember-boeings-ma...which-comes-with-rider-there-is-more-to-that/
In our Previous article, we had mentioned that US Aerospace giant Boeing recently offered to produce its legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet in India but it came with one big one major rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets which are way more than 126 aircraft India had sought to purchase under MMRCA tender in the first place. Idrw.org at recently concluded Defexpo 2016 in Goa had Chat with Boeing representative who was manning the stall and was also designated person for Queries on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets and its India prospect. Boeing official confirmed to idrw.org that Boeing is not planning to tie up with any Indian Private or Public defence partner to manufacture F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in India . Boeing India its Indian subsidiary will be lead integrator for producing F/A-18E/F fighter jets in India with major chunk of work to be outsourced to many Indian defence partners like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) which will be tasked to develop various subsystems and also to manufacture major aerostructures of F/A-18E/F fighter jets. Indian partners will also be tasked to produce many spare parts for the jet while it is operated by Indian Air Force . When asked about the possible sale of Boeing’s electronic warfare based EA-18G Growler to India , he responded by saying that ” India particularly has not asked for it , and explained that Growler is Airborne electronic warfare aircraft in operation with US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) . Boeing official confirmed that Advanced Super Hornet upgrades package which involves many low observability techs like Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP), Conformal Fuel tanks (CFT) which put aircraft at par to a Semi-Stealth aircraft will be offered to India . When asked about a rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets to manufacture this jets in India , he responded by saying that ” We are working with Airforce and India to establish a number of jets needed by them “.
http://idrw.org/remember-boeings-ma...which-comes-with-rider-there-is-more-to-that/
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Boeing’s Make in India F-18 offer comes with a rider but it’s still a better offer claims Source
US Aerospace giant Boeing recently offered to produce its legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet in India with Indian air force requested changes if India selects its fighter jet after MMRCA tender was withdrawn by Ministry of defence last year. Boeing’s offer comes with one major rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets which are way more than 126 aircraft India had sought to purchase under MMRCA tender in the first place. Other in the race to supply and Make in India their fighter jets like Saab with its Gripen NG and Lockheed Martin with its F-16 Block 70 also have their Minimum purchase order commitment requirements to be made by India before they can set up their production line for their jets in India said highly reliable sources close to idrw.org. Boeing has promised better Transfer of technology of its F/A-18E/F than Saab’s offer on Gripen NG and has promised to incorporate many low observability techs like Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP), Conformal Fuel tanks (CFT) which can classify it has Semi-Stealth aircraft. Boeing is also offering full spherical missile warning capability, an advanced cockpit employing large area displays and internal Infrared Search-Track (IRST) system under its Advanced Super Hornet upgrade package to its existing clients. the list also includes enhanced performance versions of the General Electric F414-440 engines that boost the thrust by 20 percent. Indian defence minister Parrikar already has confirmed that by the end of 2016 a new fighter aircraft will be selected and the selected vendor will manufacture nearly 90 fighter jets in India in partnership with Indian private defence company, Ministry of Defence is closely studying current offers and also is having back-channel talks with all vendors while keeping Indian air force in the loop in search for a new fighter jet and MOD might commit only for 90 air crafts .
http://idrw.org/boeings-make-in-ind...r-but-its-still-a-better-offer-claims-source/
US Aerospace giant Boeing recently offered to produce its legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet in India with Indian air force requested changes if India selects its fighter jet after MMRCA tender was withdrawn by Ministry of defence last year. Boeing’s offer comes with one major rider that India has to place orders for minimum 150 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets which are way more than 126 aircraft India had sought to purchase under MMRCA tender in the first place. Other in the race to supply and Make in India their fighter jets like Saab with its Gripen NG and Lockheed Martin with its F-16 Block 70 also have their Minimum purchase order commitment requirements to be made by India before they can set up their production line for their jets in India said highly reliable sources close to idrw.org. Boeing has promised better Transfer of technology of its F/A-18E/F than Saab’s offer on Gripen NG and has promised to incorporate many low observability techs like Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP), Conformal Fuel tanks (CFT) which can classify it has Semi-Stealth aircraft. Boeing is also offering full spherical missile warning capability, an advanced cockpit employing large area displays and internal Infrared Search-Track (IRST) system under its Advanced Super Hornet upgrade package to its existing clients. the list also includes enhanced performance versions of the General Electric F414-440 engines that boost the thrust by 20 percent. Indian defence minister Parrikar already has confirmed that by the end of 2016 a new fighter aircraft will be selected and the selected vendor will manufacture nearly 90 fighter jets in India in partnership with Indian private defence company, Ministry of Defence is closely studying current offers and also is having back-channel talks with all vendors while keeping Indian air force in the loop in search for a new fighter jet and MOD might commit only for 90 air crafts .
http://idrw.org/boeings-make-in-ind...r-but-its-still-a-better-offer-claims-source/
Parrikar's statements cannot be relied upon. He had said that the Rafale deal would be closed by June. But that hasn't happened. Last heard he has asked MOD officials to stop the process of withdrawal of RFP for the Blackshark torpedo, which he himself had announced that we would not buy. Even if a fighter is selected in 2016 wonder when the actual contract would be signed.
