We are almost at the end of the year. How would you sum up 2019 for Boeing in India?

The year 2019 has been an exciting one for Boeing in India. We started the year with Aero India where we displayed our innovative platforms and our commitment to the Indian armed forces. We marked three major milestones this year with the delivery of the first batch of AH-64E Apache and the CH-47(I) Chinook helicopters. We also delivered the 11^th C-17 Globemaster to the Indian Air Force.

We remain focussed on contributing to the growth of the Indian aerospace industry by bringing the ‘best of Boeing to India and best of India to Boeing.’ Our investments in India are creating jobs and bolstering India’s manufacturing sector. We’re leveraging India’s unique talent to strengthen our presence in the country. We are also committed to developing innovation and skill development in the country through various programmes focussed on close partnership with India’s academia and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our supplier partnerships in India are growing today with more than 160 partners. Our people, products and services proudly support the Indian armed forces to protect the country and will continue to do so now and in the future.

How is the programme for IAF’s Chinooks and Apaches coming along? Have you heard anything further on Indian Army’s desire for Apache helicopters?

India received the most advanced variant of the AH-64E Apache — the same model currently bought by the US Army. Boeing formally handed over eight of 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters to the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Station, Pathankhot in September, ahead of schedule. The deliveries of remaining Apaches are on schedule.

India inducted the first six CH-47 Chinooks with the Indian Air Force in March 2019. The ahead-of-schedule arrival of the Chinooks validates Boeing’s commitment to delivering on its promise of modernising India’s defence forces. With its advanced capabilities, versatility and twin-rotor efficiency that has proven itself over a decade, we are confident that the CH-47F(I) Chinook will be a very important asset to the Indian Air Force.

The Indian ministry of defence is also in the process of evaluating the acquisition of additional six Apaches for the Indian Army. We welcome the opportunity to support the Indian Army on their requirements. The fuselages and structures for the Army Apaches will be manufactured in Hyderabad by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited.

What is the progress on additional P-8Is for the Indian Navy?

We’re proud to support the Indian Navy with the P-8Is. The P-8I has given the Indian Navy a s