NEW DELHI (AP) -- U.S. aircraft maker Boeing has joined the race to supply fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, a senior company official said Friday, weeks after the United States and India signed a strategic defense pact.

Responding to a request from the Indian government, Boeing Co. presented its latest multipurpose jet -- the 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.

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.