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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Boeing Defense has indicated that it may soon withdraw its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet from contention in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets. This potential decision comes as Boeing faces the prospect of shutting down the Super Hornet production line by 2027, primarily due to a lack of new orders and limited interest from potential international customers. Consequently, Boeing is shifting its focus to the F-15EX, a platform it hopes will have broader appeal in India and other markets.

In response to reduced demand, Boeing has already planned a gradual winding down of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production line in St. Louis. Initially scheduled for closure in 2025, a recent order from the U.S. Navy for 17 additional Super Hornets has extended production to early 2027. These new aircraft are expected to be delivered from late 2026 through spring 2027. However, the limited contract represents the final push for the Super Hornet, and Boeing has been slowing the production rate, from two aircraft per month to around one-and-a-half, as it prepares to transition its workforce toward other programs.

The Indian Navy had also considered the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet for its carrier-based fighter program but ultimately chose the Dassault Rafale M instead, a decision that narrowed the Super Hornet’s potential customer base further.

If the IAF does not issue the RFP by the end of 2025, Boeing would be unable to offer the Super Hornet, given the need for production capacity and an estimated 3-4-year procurement cycle. As the production line may cease before a final contract can be concluded, Boeing is now more likely to position the F-15EX, a platform that offers long-term production stability and aligns with Boeing’s forward-looking strategy for international sales.

The F-15EX’s production line is expected to remain active for several years, supported by orders from the U.S. Air Force and the potential for international sales. Boeing has indicated that it intends to promote the F-15EX in markets requiring advanced multirole capabilities, positioning it as a strong candidate for India’s MRFA and any future heavy fighter requirements.

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