Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) US aerospace major Boeing announced Wednesday that it has received key communications technology for the Indian Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) a month ahead of schedule.

BEL delivered the Indian-designed Data Link II, a communications system that will enable exchange of tactical data and messages between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments, a Boeing statement said.

Boeing will install the system during P-8I final assembly at its facility in Renton, Washington state.

“Our deepening partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited endorses our ongoing initiative to build and strengthen the aerospace supply chain,” said Dinesh Keskar, president, Boeing India.

“BEL’s efficiency in reaching this milestone highlights the speed with which the industry is maturing,” he added.

Data Link II is the first Indian-manufactured item delivered to Boeing as part of the P-8I programme. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing designed and is building for the US Navy.

“Data Link II represents the first P-8I industrial participation project promised by Boeing in the area of avionics systems,” said Vivek Lall, vice president and India country head, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

“Boeing contracted BEL in August 2009 to build this critical communications technology and they have done an outstanding job by delivering on their commitment,” he added.

BEL Chairman Ashwani Kumar Datt said: “This milestone is a demonstration of the capability that BEL has developed to deliver cutting-edge work in avionics, software and structural components. We are pleased to partner with Boeing on the P8-I platform and we look forward to achieving many more milestones together.”

In addition to supplying essential technology for the Indian Navy, Boeing’s partnership with BEL also supports the Indian government’s industrial objectives, including:

Enhancing job creation and sustainment of multiple defense industry segments,

Increasing the technological maturity of India’s defence aerospace industry through indigenous capability to build and support defense platforms, and

Enhancing the defence aerospace industry’s global competitiveness.

Boeing will deliver the first of eight P-8I aircraft to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first international customer for the P-8.

BEL, a leading Indian defence electronics major, is a government-owned Navratna company. It is engaged in the design, development and manufacture of a wide range of cutting-edge C4I solutions, military communication systems, radars and sonars, naval systems, and electronic warfare systems, for use by defense services, paramilitary organisations and other government entities.

Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India both in the civil aviation and defense market.