Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military aerial refuelling and strategic military transport aircraft

Chennai: Leading commercial jetliner manufacturer Boeing would showcase a range of advanced defence capabilities under the theme “Aerospace innovation for Make in India” at DefExpo 2018 Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition.

A series of large-scale models, displays and smart panel content of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, CH-47F Chinook, AH-64E Apache, KC-46 tanker, P-8, Integrator and services would be showcased at the expo to be held from Wednesday to April 15, a Boeing release on Tuesday said.

In addition, Boeing would showcase its contributions to building India’s aerospace industry and leveraging manufacturing capability, talent, innovation and productivity to deliver a cost efficient supply chain from India. 

At present more than 160 suppliers were providing parts and assemblies covering commodities such as aerostructures, wire harness, composites, forgings, avionics mission systems and ground support equipment for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft out of India. 

Tata Boeing Aerospace, a joint venture between Boeing and TATA Advanced Systems, was manufacturing AH-64 Apache fuselages and other aerostructures in Hyderabad. 

Boeing currently employs 1,200 people in India and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners.

The release said Boeing’s partnership with the Indian armed forces includes C-17 Globemaster III and P-8I aircraft that were fulfilling strategic airlift and long range maritime surveillance missions for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. 

These aircraft were operated by the Indian armed forces at mission readiness rates of over 85 per cent due to training and sustainment services provided by Boeing. 

The soon-to-be-delivered AH-64 Apache and Chinook helicopters would add significant combat and heavy lift capabilities to India.