Northrop Grumman, which has responded to a 2010 request for information (RFI) in 2010, is hopeful that its E-2D Hawkeye would win as and when the Indian Navy will be going in for carrier-based multimode long-range identification friend or foe (IFF).

Speaking to SP’s M.A.I., Tom C. Trudell, Manager, International Business Development, Northrop Grumman, said the company was having discussions with the Indian Navy with the US Navy in the loop. “E-2D Hawkeye is well suited for India’s requirements. India has made an RFI for aircraft.” The US and French were already using them.

He said there were many unique features of the E-2D Hawkeye including providing 360 degree automatic, simultaneous air and sea surface radar detection, automatic radar correlation, and long-range passive detection and classification of electronic emitters.

The Hawkeye’s extensive suite of radios and data links with its integrated, automated sensor systems, make it a network-centric warfare enabler for joint battle management command and control. The result is Knowledge 360 – the ability to see in all directions and act accordingly.

He said Hawkeye’s multi-mission flexibility makes it the preferred choice for many nations to meet a variety of needs from early warning and missile defence to border security and disaster recovery.