New Delhi (NVI) American company Boeing says its latest version of F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter jet, being manufactured for the US Navy, is the world’s most lethal aircraft and it can enable the Indian armed forces to challenge the next generation of adversaries, if procured.
The Block III version of the jet can perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and buddy refuelling, according to the Boeing.
Significant technology insertions in the form of advanced cockpit, new computing & advanced data link, conformal fuel tanks, increases airframe life and ability to carry wide variety of weapons makes F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet most lethal platform for Air Force and Navies of the world, it says.
Pointing out that more than 700 F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets are in operation today, the Boeing said F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will offer superior economics to the Indian armed forces in the form of low cost of acquisition, operations and high mission readiness.
“The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III offers the Indian Navy a unique and differentiated capability in the form of an advanced, combat proven, multi-role naval fighter that is fully compatible with the Indian Navy carriers and would boost the growing maritime and defense relationship between the United States and India,” it says.
Designed as a carrier-based fighter for high-loading, high-stress operations, the F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet requires minimal support equipment and will offer impressive low cost per flight hour with high mission readiness.
The F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet can act as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy as it interfaces with assets such as the P-8I, which is already in use by the force.
