Locking Horns.

The article reports that the Indian Navy is on a fast-track acquisition of a multi-mission aircraft to replace its eight aging Tu-142s. Thus far, discussion of the acquisition program seems to be centered on range and endurance issues. The Indian government has accepted proposals to build eight maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft from Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Alenia Aeronautica SpA, Ilyushin, Dassault, Embraer Corp., Antonov and Tupolev. If a U.S. winner is selected, the transaction will be subject to U.S. export rules.