The United States may have lost the competition for the Indian Air Force Medium Multirole Combat Aircraft but companies in the country remain in the race to support products for the fourth-generation fighter aircraft with missiles and other technology.
The loss of Boeing F18 Super Hornet and F16 Super Viper notwithstanding, American defence contractor Raytheon remains hopeful on the missiles the company thinks would go well with the aircraft the Government of India picks up. Part of the confidence arises from the fact that at least two of missiles – all-weather Paveway and Advanced Multirole Air-to-Air Missile (AAMRAAM) that are being pitched to go on with the next generation of aircraft have been tested by the IAF.
While the IAF has to decide on the missiles that would eventually go with the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), the company said it responded on Wednesday to another IAF Request for Information for High Speed Expendable Aerial Targeting offering the MALD (Miniature Air Launched Decoy).
The company is pitting it as it has developed the missile that can be fitted onto the C130J special forces transport aircraft that the Indian Air Force acquired recently. Raytheon is also seeking to enlarge its engagement with India into a full-fledged relationship.
“Raytheon is seeking industrial partners and seeks to work with Indian industry. We are looking at the capability of the Indian industry without imposing risk of reliability and performance” Ed Miyashiro, Vice President of the Missiles Systems told a group correspondents invited by the company to visit its facility here.
