THE GATEWAY to America's Midwest is dominated by an architectural marvel that commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision of the continent's westward expansion.
It is a 630-foot stainless steel arch, visited by three million people every year. But St. Louis is also home to Boeing's Integrated Defence Systems - a $ 30.5 billion business - that has set its sights on India as never before.
Less than a month after bidding for the sale of eight P-8A maritime aircraft to the Indian Navy, Boeing is now eyeing a mega-defence deal. It is pitching its F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" for India’s ambitious plan to induct 126 multi-role fighter aircraft.
With India expected to come out with an "RFP" (request for proposal) from competing suppliers over the next 15-30 days, Boeing's IDS is witnessing frenetic activity these days. Once the RFP is out, the company will begin evolving its formal proposal in line with the US government's export control policy guidelines.