What’s six tankers, when you’ve got a deal for 179 tankers weighing on your head? Boeing has officially said that it won’t even consider participating in India’s soon to be re-tendered mid-air refuelling tanker competition (six aircraft) with its 767-based tanker until it has finished roadrolling its way to victory in the similarly dubious US Air Force contract for 179 refuellers. Boeing responded to a query I sent in with this: “Only upon the outcome of the KC-X competition for replacement U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers will we be able to fully determine our ability to participate in future international competitions. Boeing is committed to helping our international customers meet their military requirements, but we are not in a position now to discuss in any detail interest expressed by specific customers. Generally, however, when our international customers issue a request for information or interest we conduct a detailed evaluation or the request, study our inventory of potential offerings and make a decision based on that information.“
Sources say there’s more to the government’s decision to shoot down the Indian Air Force’s choice of the A330 multirole tanker transport for the initial competition. More on that soon.
Thank you!!!
Karara Tamacha! Serves us right!
Shiv, I know you are as concerned about the state of affairs in the defense forces or more than most of your followers, but let us not scoff at our scientists, there could be a couple of rotten eggs in the basket who compromise on quality for a little pelf, but the effort has to be lauded, being a fully democratic setup like ours doesn't give you the licence to rave and rant. Sorry this piece of information just doesn't jell well enough.
I'm sure "Boeing" is that "more" in the government's decision to shoot down the Indian Air Force's choice of the A330.
First they screwed the light helicopter contract then refused to participate in the retender. now they are out to scerw the tanker deal….next will be MMRCA.
Its for them we re-tendered mid-air refuelling tanker competition and now they are backing off. So we will probably buy A330 MRTT with a bigger price tag.
This reminds me of the movie 'Darr' – Kiran tume meri ho . Agar meri nahin hui to kisi aur ki bhi nahin hogi :)). When – when – when – we will ever learn? when will the aam-janta ever wake up ? When will transparency – supposedly there – really happen?