New Delhi: US aerospace and defence major Boeing Co. has been steadily ramping up its sourcing from India and expanding its suppliers network, contributing to the ‘Make in India‘ and ‘Skill India‘ initiatives of the government, the company said today.

Ahead of the Indian Ministry of Defence‘s signatue event, DefExpo 2020, to be held in Lucknow from Feb. 5 to 8, Boeing said its theme at the show this year would be ‘Building the Future Together‘ and will focus on its partnerships with the Indian armed forces.

Among the Boeing platforms that Indian armed forces have acquired and are deploying in the recent years include 11 C-17 Globemaster III, eight P-8I (with four more on order), 17 AH-64 Apache (against an order of 22) and 10 CH-47 Chinook (against an order of 15).

“India is a crucial defense partner for Boeing, with some of its most mission-critical platforms integrated with the Indian armed forces. Today, India has Boeing’s local sustainment and training capabilities that are making Indian armed forces mission ready,” the company said in a statement.

At DefExpo, Boeing will showcase a range of its capabilities including the F/A-18 Super Hornet combat jet, KC-46 tanker, AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and the P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.

The company will highlight the strategic investments made in developing India’s indigenous aerospace and defense ecosystem. These include the engineering and technology centre in Bengaluru and Chennai, the joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and work with over 200 suppliers and partners.

“We’re honoured to support India’s armed forces with advanced platforms such as the P-8I, C-17, AH-64 Apache and the CH-47 Chinook that are delivering superior capabilities. Additionally, our support and services have played a significant role in ensuring enhanced operational readiness,” Boeing India President Salil Gupte said.

“We continue to remain committed to strengthening the Indian aerospace ecosystem and look forward to engaging with our customers, partners and industry at the DefExpo 2020.”

Boeing has brought its F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III simulator to the show to help users understand a wide range of missions, carrier-based aviation and capabilities the aircraft can offer the Indian Navy.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet serves as the front line multi-role fighter of the US Navy and air forces of several countries, and is currently on offer to the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The combat proven F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will bring the most contemporary next generation war fighter technologies to the Indian Navy through battle-space situational awareness, counter stealth targeting, greater range and improved survivability, reduced radar signature and room for growth.

In addition to defence platforms, Boeing will also focus on its local sustainment and training capabilities for its Indian customers. “As Boeing steadily increases its sourcing from India, and expands its supplier network, it will highlight its contribution towards ‘Make in India’ that fully harnesses India’s manufacturing capability, talent, innovation and productivity,” the company said.