Shortly after landing the Apache deal, Boeing was selected as the preferred vendor for the country’s $1.4 billion heavy-lift helicopter competition, with its Chinook CH-47F. Swanson says the contract for 15 helicopters is expected to be inked this year and talks will begin on the option for seven more.

The company is on track to deliver three P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and antisubmarine aircraft to India in 2013 and the remaining five to the Indian navy by 2015 under a contact signed in January 2009, Swanson says.

“We have already made an on-site delivery of the first of the eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare P-8I aircraft last December. India will receive this aircraft and two more of its eight contracted P-8Is in 2013 and by 2014 the entire lot will be delivered,” he adds.

An option for another four aircraft is being discussed, Swanson says.

Boeing is also scheduled to deliver five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in 2013 and five in 2014 under a June 2011 contract signed by India’s defense ministry and the U.S. government, he says. Last month, Boeing delivered the first of the five aircraft due this year, and it has entered a U.S. Air Force flight test program at Edwards AFB, Calif.

India signed a $4.1 billion foreign military sales contract with the U.S. in 2011 to acquire the aircraft, making the country the largest C-17 export customer. The contract was finalized last June.

Although there are no options in the deal to buy additional aircraft, Boeing believes India may want six to 10 more C-17s, Swanson says. Indian defense ministry sources have confirmed this interest.

V-22 photo: Boeing