US offers co-production of F-18s to India

US offers co-production of F-18s to India

NEW DELHI: In a dramatic decision, the United States on Friday night offered the co-production of F-18 fighter jets to India.

This follows the US decision to sell a number of F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan. Indian would be licensed by the United States to produce at least six times the number of planes that would have been sold to Pakistan.

The F-18 Hornets is a two-engined long-range tactical strike aircraft and is superior to the F-16. In the United States, the F-18 is the mainstay of the US Naval airpower. The F-18 can cover several thousand miles for bombing operations and in terms of speed and manoeuvrability; it is far superior to the F-16.

In another decision, the United States has agreed to help India's civilian nuclear programme with the possible sale of nuclear reactors that would be used to generate electricity.

The nuclear energy was one of the major subjects that were discussed between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice during her recent visit to New Delhi. Although Pentagon has not make known the parameters for sale of nuclear technology to India, informed sources said that it will be worked out shortly.