NEW DELHI — The Boeing Co. has joined the race to supply fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, a senior company official said yesterday, weeks after the United States and India signed a strategic defense pact.

Responding to a request from the Indian government, Boeing presented its F/A-18 Super Hornet to defense officials in India this week.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide India with a premier aircraft that will help guarantee the security of India and its people," said Chris Chadwick, Boeing vice president for F/A-18 programs.

Boeing also was willing to transfer technology and co-produce the planes in India, he said

"We have a lot of flexibility in terms of what we can offer to the Indian Air Force, subject to approval by the U.S. government," Chadwick said.

The Indian Air Force has said it will buy 126 new jet fighters to modernize its fleet. U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Corp. and French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation are also in the race.

The Super Hornet, the U.S. Navy's newest strike fighter, is being used by air forces in seven countries, including Australia and Canada.