Lockheed Martin Plans High-Level Briefing of F-35 Jets to IAF and MoD, Final Assembly in India Possible if Substantial Number Ordered

Despite recent statements from senior Indian officials dismissing the possibility of an active F-35 offer, US aerospace major Lockheed Martin is reportedly arranging a high-level presentation of its F-35 fighter jet for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Information attributed to a Lockheed Martin India official indicates that senior executives from the company's US headquarters are expected to travel to India for the briefing, with scheduling currently underway.

This development contrasts with earlier comments from India's Air Chief Marshal and Defence Secretary, who had downplayed suggestions of any F-35 proposal, including reports of an informal offer allegedly made during a past meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As previously reported, Lockheed Martin has shown reluctance to offer the F-35 in India's ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement process. Industry observers suggest this reluctance stems from the MRFA tender's anticipated requirements for significant Transfer of Technology (ToT) and the establishment of a local production line within India.

Instead, the company is expected to favour a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. An FMS deal is a direct government-to-government transaction managed by the US Department of Defence, often streamlining the procurement process but potentially offering less scope for technology transfer compared to open tenders like the MRFA.

However, the possibility of local manufacturing in India might resurface if the potential order is sufficiently large. Sources indicate that if India commits to acquiring a substantial number of jets, possibly around 110 units, Lockheed Martin could reconsider its stance on local production.

An order of this magnitude would place the IAF among the largest international operators of the F-35, comparable to nations like Japan (which plans to acquire 147 F-35s), Australia (100), and Italy (115). Such a large commitment could persuade Lockheed Martin to explore setting up a Final Assembly and Check-out (FACO) facility in India.

Similar FACO facilities, which handle the final stages of aircraft assembly and testing, currently operate in Italy and Japan through partnerships with local industry.

Responding to queries about establishing Indian production for an order exceeding 100 aircraft, a Lockheed Martin official acknowledged the possibility, albeit cautiously.

"It will depend on how many units India plans to procure," the official reportedly stated. "If India insists and the numbers justify it, Lockheed Martin might consider setting up a FACO facility here, like those in Japan and Italy."

Nevertheless, establishing such a facility in India would likely depend on more than just numbers. The official's comments imply that a firm commitment from India, coupled with the deal aligning with broader US strategic objectives and defence relationship priorities, would be necessary before Lockheed Martin invests in an Indian FACO.

The planned briefing represents an initial step, with extensive negotiations likely required before any potential F-35 acquisition or local assembly agreement is reached.

 

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[Mc Addy]

That is the foreign reserve, not money the government has. Do you know the difference?

I am not shopkeeper to know diffrence between what's in my hand and what's in my account, if 650 billion dollar is forex reserve, means one need not exchange rupee with dollar ,can get it internally.what govt has is US dollars so buy it internally.

 

[Mc Addy]

That is the foreign reserve, not money the government has. Do you know the difference?

Why don't you elaborate this matter of forex vs what's govts holding .

 

[james mani]

Wow, first, IAF should show interest in F-35. Does this fighter jet even fit IAF requirements and pass field trials and evaluation? Already, Stryker and Javelin failed in Indian conditions. Western aero-engines lose 8 to 10% thrust in local conditions.

F35 is a great opportunity. Only the IAF should get trained on the systems and also the fighter's 5th generation needs to be optimized based on Indian terrain and weather conditions. But F35 is a good one, India can deter China sooner.

 

[james mani]

It is impossible for India to strategically align with the US's interests. India values its own strategic autonomy, free from foreign influence. If India has to purchase F-35s, then it would be in limited numbers, like 36, for the China front. We all knew, the US is no friend of India. The US sees us as a short-term friend, just because of China.

It's business alignment not required.

Only funding training needs and also to take care of Trump's team.

Then everything is possible in IAF.

 

[Diganta Ghosh]

It looks like the US is just eager to sell something to India.

 

[EMD XD41/06MAC]

Instead, ask Russia to build a Saturn NPO Jet Engine Assembly Line in Koraput, Odisha, India, to build the AL-51 (Izdeliye-30) for the Su-57! We do not want expensive F-35s over there! Already, we lost countless money due to delays in Tejas Mk2, AMCA and TEDBF. Who will waste more money? Su-57s with this engine + AMCA = Enough for us.

 

[Mc Addy]

Seems we need stealth and VTOL or STOL like gripen for a second strike capabilities or carrier based action , so F35 that can land anywhere and can be some roadblock to Chinese and Pakistani stealth .Maybe other uses may there but it sure is doing job with Israel now .

Elon Musk is a failure of businessman so he can go ahead with his assessment, drones are the future and so is stealth, specially ,one that got VTOL capabilities.

 

[Rama Hota]

Great news, India should go for it. Many EU countries cancelled fighter jet deals with the US, so Lockheed Martin will give a better offer to India because India is a bigger market than any other country.

 

[Abs29]

Earlier people believed that since we purchased S400, F35s won't be offered. Try and negotiate.

There are things that would be on the table for negotiation while others, not so much. Unfortunately, access to source code is one such case. Insisting upon it would be a deal breaker that would spur US negotiators to walk away.

 

[Sridhar]

IAF will definitely consider weapons package, T&C, training and operational costs before it says yes. Above all, it should come with no strings attached.
Building a separate air base, new infrastructure will cost extra.
Best option is to speed up the rollout of AMCA.

 

[DNA57]

The policy is simple: deter and deprive them till the last moment, and when they are on the verge of self-reliance, extend them the tech or toy, squeeze a hefty amount, and make them dependent for another 30/40 years.

 

[Sandeep]

India should not buy the jet at all. We won’t get any ToT, won’t get to install any of our technology or use our weapons, no local MRO facility, can’t manufacture any parts locally and we will get a very expensive upkeep bill to maintain its stealth capability.

India needs to focus more on quickly manufacturing the prototypes jets which has been cleared. At the same time we need to start the Super Sukhoi program and start manufacturing the Tejas MK1A and to quickly pass all of these tests and trials for Tejas MK2.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

You or I sitting here know nothing about what is what. Poland's F35s operate in the areas of S400 presence. Similarly, Finland is getting F35s, they share a border with Russia. Similarly, if there was such a case, F35s would not be sitting parallel to Su57s in Bangalore. So despite all your apprehensions (which I have as well), I know there are things beyond you and me. Why would Trump even mention selling them if they do not want to?

And what I said of Israel, that is only logical, and not even close to wishful thinking, I do not know why you would even think that.

Oversimplification and false equivalence is a sign of inability to think critically.There's a difference between armchair critics and those who engage in thoughtful analysis.Armchair critics often:

• Oversimplify complex issues.
• Make false equivalences.
• Present themselves as authoritative figures.
• Make sweeping statements/comparisons without giving correct equivalence.

Your example of the statement "we can always get Israeli..." perfectly illustrates the armchair critic's tendency to speak with unwarranted authority. Thus, appeal to authority fallacy.In contrast, genuine analysts provide thoughtful opinions, acknowledging both pros and cons.

 

[Ravi]

Take briefings to understand what's going on in the world if you have the time. But don't repeat, don't get carried away by US rhetoric. FACO? Mechanized screwdrivers. Focus on AMCA and make it a success.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

It's business alignment not required.

Only funding training needs and also to take care of Trump's team.

Then everything is possible in IAF.

Need a nuanced and critical analysis on this matter. Reality is lot more complex than what we see and read here.

When weapons are purchased or sold, it involves geopolitics, strategic alignment, not just business. To dismiss it as mere business dealing will be to oversimplify it.

Even if everything is possible, it doesn't change the fact that not everything that glitters is gold for IAF.

 

[kumar]

F47 is what's going to be useful in the next decade. F35 with its string attached will only handicap us.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

There are things that would be on the table for negotiation while others, not so much. Unfortunately, access to source code is one such case. Insisting upon it would be a deal breaker that would spur US negotiators to walk away.

Whatever we purchase should benefit us and we should not be prone to the USA's whims and dictates later. Their platform is technically the best 5G platform available to us right now. If they agree to our terms and conditions, only then should we procure it. Otherwise, we can either wait for AMCA or go with a limited number of Su-57s.

While the Su-57 may not be the best 5th gen jet available, it is definitely better than the 4th gen jets that we are trying to procure under MRCA.

 

[Abs29]

Whatever we purchase should benefit us and we should not be prone to the USA's whims and dictates later. Their platform is technically the best 5G platform available to us right now. If they agree to our terms and conditions, only then should we procure it. Otherwise, we can either wait for AMCA or go with a limited number of Su-57s.

While the Su-57 may not be the best 5th gen jet available, it is definitely better than the 4th gen jets that we are trying to procure under MRCA.

Only the UK, of all NATO allies, is allowed to make changes to the F-35 and integrate Meteor, and no other NATO allies are allowed to even tweak the software. While Israel is allowed to integrate its bespoke EW system, even it is not allowed to tweak the FCS of the radar.

It is just not going to happen. Opening source code for radar avionics and data links will not be done, no matter what. Might as well just plainly state the same and walk away from any protracted, useless negotiations.

On another note, the problem with the SU-57 is that it still has a significantly higher RCS and thus would almost always announce its presence long before it sees other low observable fighters. The 90s were a lost decade for Russia, as it significantly fell behind the race for IC and semiconductors. That is the reason Russian fighters still have rudimentary sensor fusion, as they were never designed to work in a closely knit, network-centric warfare environment.

 

[Preet]

Oversimplification and false equivalence is a sign of inability to think critically.There's a difference between armchair critics and those who engage in thoughtful analysis.Armchair critics often:

• Oversimplify complex issues.
• Make false equivalences.
• Present themselves as authoritative figures.
• Make sweeping statements/comparisons without giving correct equivalence.

Your example of the statement "we can always get Israeli..." perfectly illustrates the armchair critic's tendency to speak with unwarranted authority. Thus, appeal to authority fallacy.In contrast, genuine analysts provide thoughtful opinions, acknowledging both pros and cons.

Okay, brother. I did not know you are someone who is sitting in the ministry and taking decisions. 🤣

I guess you are also just commenting online. And if you can read, I clearly said I personally do not want the F35 to come to India. But I also know, geopolitics play a critical role in these decisions which are probably beyond your cognizance and that is why you are unwilling to take any view which is contrary to yours.

And yes, “we can always get the Israeli model one,” I said this because that is exactly the alternate which India would go for and the US would offer if we go ahead with the F35 purchase. Israel has its own variant with its tailored needs modified on it, a different plug and play in software. India would exactly be seeking that kind of a variant tailored for Indian needs. Do I have to spoon-feed information to you? That immature? Just because you do not understand stuff does not mean the other person is an armchair critic. Learn to take different opinions. And even better, develop some common sense!

• I did not oversimplify anything. I stated how things can happen if they happen.
• I did not make any false equivalence. I made a right alternative if India buys the F35.
• Where did I present myself as authoritative? Are you unable to read and understand?

Get a life, bro! And learn to read and write. Do not just blabber whatever comes into your mind.

 

[rtnguy]

Lol pay 50 billion and have the aircraft remotely switched off. And worse, F47 is entirely designed similar to Su 57 so Su 57 is 6th gen capable aircraft which we can produce for $20 billion.

 

[SURESH RAO]

American companies are highly reliable. But what led to the delay of GE 404 engines? Read below.

By 2016, GE had already delivered 65 engines to HAL. These were to be used for prototypes, LSP, LCA MK1 and LCA MK1 trainers.

But, from 2016 till 2021, no further orders were placed for these engines. The biggest blunder. GOI is also chiefly responsible for this. Since there were no orders placed from 2016 to 2021, GE 404 production almost stopped, and the supply chain got shaky.

Also note that during 2014 to 2021, there were several attempts by GOI to sabotage HAL. The reason should be well known to everybody.

In 2021, after a delay of 5 years, an order was placed for an additional 99 GE 404 engines. And it took a lot of time for GE to set right the supply chains.

Today, we are happy that 32 LCA MK1 have been delivered, 10 LCA MK1 trainers are complete, two LCA MK1 trainers are getting ready and two LCA MK1a have completed testing. And 5 LCA MK1a's integration is complete.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

Okay, brother. I did not know you are someone who is sitting in the ministry and taking decisions. 🤣

I guess you are also just commenting online. And if you can read, I clearly said I personally do not want the F35 to come to India. But I also know, geopolitics play a critical role in these decisions which are probably beyond your cognizance and that is why you are unwilling to take any view which is contrary to yours.

And yes, “we can always get the Israeli model one,” I said this because that is exactly the alternate which India would go for and the US would offer if we go ahead with the F35 purchase. Israel has its own variant with its tailored needs modified on it, a different plug and play in software. India would exactly be seeking that kind of a variant tailored for Indian needs. Do I have to spoon-feed information to you? That immature? Just because you do not understand stuff does not mean the other person is an armchair critic. Learn to take different opinions. And even better, develop some common sense!

• I did not oversimplify anything. I stated how things can happen if they happen.
• I did not make any false equivalence. I made a right alternative if India buys the F35.
• Where did I present myself as authoritative? Are you unable to read and understand?

Get a life, bro! And learn to read and write. Do not just blabber whatever comes into your mind.

It is futile to engage in constructive debate with those who frequently employ multiple fallacies, including ad hominem, appeal to authority, oversimplification, burden of proof, and denialism.

Your points are disorganised and unpolished. Your comments jump between different points in a disorganised way. I am only trying to show you a mirror. Mine is just an 'observational commentary' and I don't have the authority to conclude what 'we can always get...'. You don't even seem serious in giving comments other than jokes. You need to engage more with some skilled analysts on this platform. Their opinions give very valuable insights in a nuanced and critical way. That's all.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

The F-35 is a good distraction for the IAF so that the MRFA tender will get further delayed. DRDO and HAL should work overtime on the Tejas Mk2, TEDBF, and AMCA, so that the MRFA will soon become redundant. India will finally find it difficult to accept the F-35 with various conditionalities.

If the USA is really serious, it should lease out 2-3 squadrons of F-35s to the IAF and work out the modalities.

 

[Dredd]

India should not buy the jet at all. We won’t get any ToT, won’t get to install any of our technology or use our weapons, no local MRO facility, can’t manufacture any parts locally and we will get a very expensive upkeep bill to maintain its stealth capability.

India needs to focus more on quickly manufacturing the prototypes jets which has been cleared. At the same time we need to start the Super Sukhoi program and start manufacturing the Tejas MK1A and to quickly pass all of these tests and trials for Tejas MK2.

It's already clear that you won't get 100% ToT with any jet except Russian or maybe F-16. What we can negotiate is a few critical technology ToT and collaboration in programs like Kaveri or DEW. F-35A with FACO is a good proposition considering that acquisition costs of F-35A are less than EFT and Rafale. We should involve a private player to hold a majority stake in the FACO plant. This will help us gain critical skills in modern assembly.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

It's already clear that you won't get 100% ToT with any jet except Russian or maybe F-16. What we can negotiate is a few critical technology ToT and collaboration in programs like Kaveri or DEW. F-35A with FACO is a good proposition considering that acquisition costs of F-35A are less than EFT and Rafale. We should involve a private player to hold a majority stake in the FACO plant. This will help us gain critical skills in modern assembly.

100% ToT is nowhere possible unless one buys the whole Company.

@Sandeep there is no so called quick ways to manufacture, pass tests...Simply not feasible due to many reasons. Rushing through tests and trials can compromise the quality, reliability, and safety of the aircraft, which is unacceptable in the defense industry.