Executive Vice President; President and Chief Executive Officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing
Search every verified Stephen Parker interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a September 2022 interview, Steve Parker, then Vice President and General Manager of Bombers and Fighters at Boeing, discussed the company's F/A-18 Super Hornet offering for the Indian Navy. Parker stated that the Block III Super Hornet is "the most advanced carrier aircraft in the world" and described it as having a 10,000-hour airframe and integrated fifth-generation sensors. He argued that the aircraft is "the right choice" for India's defense and peacekeeping missions, citing its ability to operate from Indian carriers and control unmanned aircraft. Parker also highlighted the Super Hornet's cost per flying hour, which he said is $19,000 based on publicly available U.S. data, and described it as having "the best cost per flying hour track record of any fighter." Parker outlined Boeing's localization strategy if awarded a contract for 26 aircraft, mentioning a proposed $3.6 billion package over 10 years focused on engineering and manufacturing in India. He noted that the company has over 300 engine suppliers in India and a team of 4,000 people in the country. Parker said the deal represents an opportunity for the India-U.S. relationship and that Boeing could accelerate delivery timelines beyond the typical 36 months. He added that the Super Hornet is "very capable" for addressing India's security challenges, including tensions with China and Pakistan, and described it as "the backbone strike fighter for the U.S. Navy."
“What the Indian Navy gets is the most advanced carrier aircraft in the world. Boeing is just now delivering to the U.S. Navy the Block Three configuration, the most advanced Super Hornet we've ever built, with a 10,000-hour airframe, meaning 20 to 40 years of life for the Indian Navy. It's got all the latest sensors, i...”
“The Indian government has been focusing a lot on making in India for the defense sector, local partnerships, and localization. If we were to win this contract for 26 aircraft, our localization strategy would involve a $3.6 billion package over 10 years focused on engineering and manufacturing, developing indigenous Ind...”
“The Super Hornet is the only two-seat fighter that can operate off the Indian carrier, which is a big game changer. It can control unmanned aircraft with autonomous capabilities, providing a compelling advantage that competitors cannot match.”
“We have a very compelling package along with members of our Hornet industry team including General Electric, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman. Manufacturing in India is absolutely a possibility, and we have over 300 engine suppliers in India supporting various platforms.”
“The $3.6 billion figure is over and above the commitments we've already made in India. We are focused on what is important for India, aligning with the government's real agenda and purpose, and leveraging our 4,000-strong Indian team to deliver value if selected.”
“When you're on a carrier out in the blue sea, do you want the best aircraft that will bring your pilots back and give you the maximum chance of success against an adversary? The Indian Navy wants the best aircraft to protect the nation, and we believe the Super Hornet is that aircraft.”
“This deal is a great opportunity for the relationship between India and the U.S. to continue to prosper. The Indian Navy can take advantage of the significant investment the U.S. government has made in the Super Hornet, with over 800 aircraft delivered, bringing the latest capabilities and knowledge sharing.”
“The Super Hornet has the best cost per flying hour track record of any fighter, publicly available data in the U.S. shows $19,000 cost per flying hour, which is about half the cost of many other fighters. We believe we have a really attractive acquisition and sustainment cost along with a robust Make in India package.”
“India has twin challenges: aggression at the Chinese border and aggression at the Pakistan border. The Super Hornet is the backbone strike fighter for the U.S. Navy deployed worldwide, including the South China Sea. It is very capable with large weapon load, reduced signature, and survivability features, making it well...”
“We have an active production line producing 24 aircraft a year, including modernization of Block 2 Hornets to Block 3 configuration. We hope for a decision within the next three or four months to secure production slots and start deliveries, typically within 36 months, but we can work to accelerate that timeline if des...”
“The Indian Navy is picking up on billions of dollars of U.S. investment. The Indian government has been focusing a lot on making in India for the defense sector, local partnerships, localization. If you were to win this deal, win this contract for 26 aircraft, what would be a localization strategy? We've got a package...”
“When you're on a carrier out in the blue sea, do you want the best aircraft that's going to bring your pilots back and give you the maximum chance of success against an adversary, or do you want something that you might have got because somebody already had a presence here? I think the Indian Navy wants the best aircra...”
“The Super Hornet has the best cost per flying hour track record of any fighter. Publicly available data in the U.S. is $19,000 cost per flying hour. A lot of the other fighters are double that. From a range so you know again we think we've got a really attractive acquisition cost, we've got an attractive sustainment co...”
In this segment of News Centre, Steve Parker, Vice President & General Manager, Bombers and Fighters at The Boeing Company ...
In an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18, Steve Parker, Vice President & General Manager, Bombers and Fighters at The Boeing Company, speaks on why is the Boeing Super Hornet significant for the Navy and what are Boeing's 'Make In India' plans. Listen in. #boeing #boeingsuperhornet #cnbctv18 #businessnews #businessnewstoday #businessnewsinenglish #sharemarkettoday About CNBC-TV18: India's leading business news channel, CNBC-TV18 offers the most comprehensive coverage of businesses, the economy and the financial markets. Catch all your favourite shows, exclusive videos, big-ticket inte…
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