Boeing received the first Indian manufactured item the Data Link II a month ahead of schedule, to be installed during the final assembly of the P-8I at its facility in Renton, Washington. Data Link II is a key communications technology from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft. It is a communications system that will enable exchange of tactical data amongst Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. The P8I is a variant of the P8A Poseidon that Boeing is building for the US Navy.
BEL a leading Indian defence electronics major, is government-owned and is engaged in the design, development and manufacture of a wide range of cutting-edge C4I solutions, military communication systems, radars and sonars, naval systems, and electronic warfare systems, for use by defence services, paramilitary organisations and other government agencies.
Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India, both in the civil aviation and defence markets. Boeing is partnering with India’s leading technology and manufacturing companies to build a supply chain out of India. The company has also established a Research and Technology centre at Bangalore to tap India’s technical talent for research in aero structures, materials and network systems. A unit of the Boeing Company, Boeing Defence, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest companies specialising in innovative customer solutions and the world’s largest of military aircraft.