Boeing signs $100 mn contract to keep navy's P-8I aircraft flying

Boeing has won more than $10 bn worth of Indian defence contracts since 2009

The Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft — reputedly the world’s most fearsome submarine hunters — have proved themselves in joint patrols with the US Navy in the Indian Ocean, tracking Chinese submarines. Last July, a pleased Indian Navy signed a billion-dollar contract with Boeing for four more P-8Is to augment the eight aircraft it already flies. Delivery will begin in 2020.

But, with Chinese submarine activity growing in the Indian Ocean, the navy wants more P-8Is on station today. Last Monday, the navy signed a $100-million contract, requiring Boeing to maintain spare parts and personnel in India, ready