Kronenberg: We are still trying to see where we are with the [request for proposals]. We will see what happens when that comes up, the P-8Is and their requirements and then we’ll make a decision later. From the standpoint of commonality with the Indian navy that already has, in terms of the missions, I think we could do with fewer aircraft than already stipulated in the [request for information]. And it clearly doesn’t necessarily have to be the same equipment. You can modify the missions. It doesn’t necessarily need to have the same things that P-8 has like maritime patrol and submarine warfare. We will see what the RFP says before we decide.

AW&ST: The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee this month released a report on counterfeit electronic parts. Has it cast a shadow on India deals since it involves the C-17s, which India has ordered?

Kronenberg: No. Quite frankly, we have had such issues with counterfeit parts before – both commercial and defense. It is connected to suppliers. It is pretty far down. You get issues where your two suppliers doesn’t catch it. But Boeing supply-chain management organization does catch it. It is a pretty simple fix - we just replace the counterfeit parts. We work with the [U.S.] Department of Defense, in a cooperative mood, to make sure we have got our problem resolved. We don’t want counterfeit parts, more than anybody else on commercial planes or military aircraft. Yes, it did involve C-17s initially, but there are no failures from our side. We screened it and caught it.

AW&ST: Has India shown any concern about it?

Kronenberg: No. We haven’t heard anything from the customer but if they do, we will certainly walk them through what we do. But when the C-17s appear next year, there won’t be any counterfeit parts on the aircraft.