Michael Koch, VP, Boeing Defence, Space & Security, India

: Boeing has strengthened its defence business in India with many of its iconic platforms servicing the Indian armed forces. How do you see the Indian market growing from your perspective?

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. India was the first international customer for the P-8, is the largest international operator of C-17s and P-8s, 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’re engaged with our defence customers on their requirements for the Indian Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft and the Indian Navy’s CarrierBorne Fighter programme. Early last year, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the acquisition of an additional six Apaches for the Indian Army.

Today, with 11 C-17s, 9 P-8Is plus three more on order, 22 AH-64 Apaches with six more on order with the Indian Army, and 15 CH-47 Chinooks, India is at the front and centre of Boeing’s business plans.

We are also seeing the growth in our localisation of MRO services and training, and the value that Boeing Defence India, our local establishment in India, is able to provide through the lifecycle of Boeing 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 and we are in the process of providing training to Indian Navy pilots on the P-8I.

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 recently announced results of ski jump trials of the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet. Are there any updates on your talks with Indian Navy for their fighter requirements?

Boeing: Boeing and the US Navy have recently proved that the F/A-18 Super Hornet can operate from a ski jump ramp, thereby demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to operate on Indian Navy carriers.

We are engaging with the Indian Navy and have responded to the Request for Information for the Multi-role Carrier Borne Fighter (MRCBF) programme. This is a very exciting opportunity to partner with