Boeing Seeks $4B P-8I Deal and Chinooks for IAF Amid Talks
A Boeing delegation, accompanied by U.S. Department of Defense officials, is in India to negotiate a $4 billion deal for six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy, complementing the existing fleet of 12. This visit also seeks to revive interest in acquiring more CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force, although progress has stalled due to budgetary constraints and a focus on indigenous alternatives. The P-8I, critical for anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance, enhances India’s strategic capabilities amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions, while the Chinook acquisition is vital for bolstering airlift capabilities in challenging terrains. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly influence India’s defense posture and operational readiness.
