New Delhi, July 22, 2005 (Singapore Time)

US aircraft maker Boeing has joined the race to supply fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, a senior company official said on Friday, weeks after the United States and India signed a strategic defence pact.

Responding to a request from the Indian government, Boeing presented its latest multipurpose jet - the F/A-18 Super Hornet - to defence officials in India this week.

'We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide India with a premier aircraft that will help guarantee the security of India and its people,' said Chris Chadwick, Boeing Vice President for F/A-18 programs.

'The Super Hornet provides tomorrow's capabilities and technology and it is available today,' he said.

The Indian Air Force has said it will buy 126 new jet fighters to modernise its fleet. US-based Lockheed Martin, French aircraft maker Mirage and Russia's MIG are also in the race.

The Super Hornet is the U.S. Navy's newest strike fighter, a multi-role combat plane that is capable of both dogfights and carrying out bombing missions. Air forces of seven countries, including Australia and Canada, are using the Super Hornet.

Mr Chadwick said this week's visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington had made the environment more favourable for US-based defence contractors wanting to do business with India.

Price and other details have yet to be worked out, and an order could take up to a year to finalise.

Boeing sold the planes to the US Navy for US$54 million a piece, but Mr Chadwick said the price for India would depend on its requirements.

Boeing was also willing to transfer technology and co-produce the planes in India, Mr Chadwick said.

'We have a lot of flexibility in terms of what we can offer to the Indian Air Force, subject to approval by the US government,' he said.

Boeing was also exploring business opportunities in partnering defence production and space research in India.

'Because, the US government is encouraging US contractors to enter into relationships here, I would say the sky is the limit,' Mr Chadwick said.