The US is willing to offer its most advanced maritime spy plane, the advanced Hawkeye-2D, to India. According to a report in the forthcoming issue of India Strategic defence magazine, the Indian Navy had issued an RFI (Request for Information) for the aircraft to the US government some time back. Although Washington is yet to release this aircraft for export “it could be sold to countries like India, Egypt, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)”, the report added.

The aircraft is still under development and Northrop Grumman, its manufacturer, should achieve initial operational capability in 2011. Its first test flight was conducted only in August. The advanced Hawkeye-2D looks like the existing Hawkeye-2C but will be much different and better with improved performance. It will feature the new APY-9 spy radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications capability, flight management system, improved engines, a new “glass” cockpit and the ability to refuel in-flight.