Michael Koch, VP, Boeing Defence, Space & Security, India
: Boeing has strengthened its defence business in India with many of its platforms now with the Indian armed forces. What is your perspective on the Indian market? Where does Boeing see itself some years from now?
BOEING: India’s defence sector is poised for growth and Boeing is committed to supporting and enabling this progress. Boeing has had a presence in the country for over 75 years now, and we have had many ‘ firsts’ with India: the first international customer for the P- 8, the largest international operator of C- 17s and the Harpoon missile was the first US weapon system on an Indian-built fighter.
The future looks promising and we continue to see several opportunities in India. We are engaged with our defence customers on their requirements for the Air Force’s Multi- Role Fighter Aircraft ( MRFA) and the Navy’s Carrier- Borne Fighter programme. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence signed the contract for acquisition of an additional six Apaches for the Indian Army – much of these aircraft are built in Hyderabad. We are also seeing the growth in our localisation of MRO services and training, and the value Boeing is able to provide through the lifecycle of its products. We work with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy to provide exceptional operational capability and readiness to the P-8Is, C-17s, and Head of State aircraft through local sustainment services in India.
Boeing is also providing pilot training for the Indian Air Force fleet of C- 17 aircraft while construction is underway in another facility for training Indian Navy pilots on the P-8I. We are big advocates on “for India, by India” which is our nickname for localisation to tap into the talent and innovation in India to sustain, train and produce these systems. Also, there are exciting developments in India’s space arena that allow the private sector to carry out space activities like building rockets, satellites and providing launch services is positive. We admire India’s strides in space exploration and ambitious plans for human space flights before August 2022 and want to support ISRO’s mission.
Today, with 11 C-17s, eight P-8Is with four more on order, 22 AH-64 Apaches with six more on order and 15 CH-47 Chinooks, India is at the front and centre of Boeing’s business plans. We have established a local company in India, Boeing Defence India, to deliver advanced capability and readiness to our military customers. We are contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace industry; that is why we’re investing in partnerships across the ecosystem in skilling, research & technology, and manufacturing. India’s role in our global supply chain is big and getting bigger. Our commitment to India is deep and it is for the long term; our vision is to bring the best of Boeing to India and export the best of India to the world.
: Boeing has offered its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet as response to the Indian Navy fighter RFI? Can you elaborate on your offer?
BOEING: We continue to engage with the Indian Navy on their requirement and have responded to the RFI for the Multi- role Carrier Borne Fighter programme ( MRCBF). This is a very exciting opportunity to partner with both the Indian Navy and the United States
Navy, who as you know, have incredible depth of experience and technology in the domain of carrier-borne fighters. The F/A18 Block III Super Hornet is the frontline carrier-based fighter of the U.S Navy and in the hands of Indian Navy aviators, would be an incredible weapon system to ensure security and safety in the Indian Ocean region for decades to come.
: Why do you believe the Super Hornet will meet the Indian Navy’s requirements for a carrier borne fighter?
BOEING: Before we even focus on the aircraft itself, it’s important to understand that part of what is on the table is to benefit from the incredible know-how and technology investments made by the US Navy related to aircraft carriers and fighter operations at sea. As a strategic partner for security, the US Navy is leaning in to provide the best solution available for the Indian Navy, bar none. Of course, this includes the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet, but it also includes deep capabilities in sustainment, logistics, flight ops, carrier and network integration, etc. These machines are powerful on their own, but they are far more potent when they are part of a fully integrated capability.
In terms of the aircraft itself, the Block III Super Hornet will deliver the Indian Navy the most advanced, proven technologies at unmatched cost per flight hour because of its ease of maintainability and the durable maritime design of Super Hornet. It was designed for the carrier deck and benefits from decades of experience Boeing and US Navy have had operating classic Hornets. The Indian Navy would receive the benefit of US Navy’s multibillion dollar investments in Block III technologies, including advanced networks, low-drag with conformal fuel tanks, longerrange detection with Infrared Search & Track, an all- new Advanced Cockpit System, improved signature reduction and a 10,000+ hour life.
As part of Boeing’s “for India, by India” philosophy, the Block III Super Hornets can be serviced in partnership with the Indian Navy, US Navy and industrial partners from India and the US throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft. This will further develop advanced expertise in aircraft MRO in India, resulting in higher availability of the aircraft, at competitive pricing. All of this together, differentiates Boeing’s F/A18 Block III Super Hornet offer for the Indian Navy.
: The P- 8I has been a strong pillar for Indian Navy when it comes to maritime security. The Indian Navy has also ordered four additional P-8I to meet their requirement. Is there an update on their deliveries?
BOEING: The P-8I is a proven longrange multi- mission maritime patrol aircraft which is very capable in maritime surveillance and has unique deterrence in anti-submarine warfare. The first of the four options aircraft will be delivered this year, and the remaining three in 2021.
: Boeing has been supporting mission-readiness of the P-8I. Can you elaborate more on services of the P-8I fleet?
BOEING: India’s P- 8I fleet is also supported through and Performance Based Logistics service concept providing spares, ground support equipment and field service support. Boeing’s integrated support has enabled the highest state of fleet readiness at lower costs. Since their induction, the Indian Navy P-8I fleet has quickly surpassed well over 25,000 flight hours. Boeing’s training and support package for the P-8I will continue to increase efficiency while reducing the on- aircraft training time resulting in more aircraft availability for its core missions. A 60,000 sq. ft. Training Support and Data Handling Centre is being built at INS Rajali, the base for the P-8I fleet, with a secondary centre at the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology at Kochi.
We are also working with Indian companies to perform MRO maintenance locally. In partnership with Boeing, in 2019, Airworks completed P- 8I’s first heavy checks in India. Further capability development is in- work to support the growing P-8I fleet and this will expand the local aerospace ecosystem while ensuring quicker turnaround for the Indian Navy. Again, it’s about “for India, by India” and being fully committed to being a trusted partner under Atmanirbhar Bharat. We have to keep earning that trust through actions, not just words.
: The government has been big on the focus on indigenisation and on promoting defence exports. What is your stand on this? Is Boeing working with Indian defence manufacturers to promote indigenisation of defence equipment?
BOEING: Boeing has always supported the development of indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in India. Our growing partnership with the country’s defence forces and our expanding supplier base makes it imperative for us invest in, develop, and nurture talent in India.
Our sourcing from India stands at close to US$1 billion per year from 225 suppliers who are manufacturing critical systems and components for some of Boeing’s most advanced products. I think that speaks clearly on to how committed we are. Boeing continues to grow a globally competitive supplier base in India, with strong partnerships to help achieve the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Tata Boeing Aerospace ( TBAL), Boeing’s manufacturing joint venture with Tata, is an example of Boeing’s strategic focus on Make in India and marks a major step towards the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defence in India. The Apache fuselages and structures made in this cutting-edge factory in Hyderabad are bound for customers all around the world, including the US Army. We look forward to seeing Indian Army’s recently contracted six new Apaches rolling down that production line.
Further, Dynamatic Technologies manufactures the ramp and complex aft pylon for the Chinook heavy- lift helicopters. Rossell Techsys manufactures wire harness and panels for the Apaches, SASMOS manufactures these for F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-15 Strike Eagle. HAL manufactures F/A-18 gun bay doors and wire harnesses, P-8I weapons bay doors and IFF transponders. These are just a few examples of the work done by our Indian suppliers.
In terms of our skilling and up-skilling initiatives, we are developing Indian MSMEs and training hundreds of pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, technicians, and frontline factory workers across India with our industry partners like Tata, Rossell, Jaivel and Lakshmi Machine Works. Our vision is a robust, globally competitive aerospace and defence ecosystem in India.
In my view it’s about nothing less than fast tracking India’s journey to becoming an aerospace and defence design, production and support hub.