Article Posted on : - Feb 10, 2009

Boeing has similar capabilities already operating in Australia and United Kingdom, each having the ability to collaborate with Boeing centres in the USA

BANGALORE (BNS): The US aviation giant Boeing and India's defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which they will set up a facility to develop an analysis and experimentation centre in the country.

The centre will offer customers the ability to make better informed decisions in modernising the Indian armed forces.

The MoU was announced by Boeing's vice president and India country head for Integrated Defence Systems Vivek Lall. “'We are not divulging the monetary value of the venture. We can only say that we are making significant investments. We will set up units in Bangalore and New Delhi,” he said.

Boeing is looking to expand its base in the country. It is one of the six contenders for the deal to supply 126 combat jets to Indian Air Force. The company has a strong presence at Aero India where it is showcasing its frontline jet F-A18 Super Hornet among other products. The aircraft has flown several sorties in the run up to the show which was inaugurated on Wednesday.

Aviation is Boeing's major strength and it has an active defence programme handled by the Integrated Defence System. Boeing just recently bagged the contract to supply P-8 long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The multi-billion dollar deal gave a boost to the defence ties between India and the US.

Boeing is pushing for F-18 in an aggressive manner and has been giving rides on the combat jets to several persons including journalists. The F-18 performed impressive manoeuvers at the air show to put an impression on the Indian defence planners. The officials hoped confident that they would bag the IAF order which is one of the biggest in recent times.