Crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft teaming on real combat missions is not likely to be realized for up to two decades, a top Indian Air Force official says.
The agreement, announced on Thursday (Nov. 9), is part of Airbus’ strategy to support Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) growing its footprint in commercial aircraft MRO in India.
While the notice does not mention it, the ministry’s action was almost certainly due to the dispute between embattled Indian carrier Go First and its lessors.
The announced selection by the Indian Navy of a French fighter is another blow to the future of Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet assembly line in St. Louis.
A joint statement hailed the agreement as a “trailblazing initiative that would “enable greater transfer of U.S. jet engine technology than ever before.”