Lockheed Martin Pledges to Manufacture up to 48 F-21 Jets Annually in India, Offers to Fill IAF's Depleting Squadrons Quickly

Lockheed Martin, the world's leading defence contractor, is stepping up its efforts to secure a deal with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its advanced F-16 variant, known in India as the F-21 or F-16 Dash V.

In a significant proposal, the company has committed to establishing a production line in India capable of manufacturing three to four F-21 jets per month if India chooses this fighter.

This production promise holds particular appeal for the IAF, which is currently facing a shortfall in its fighter squadrons.

With only 29-30 operational squadrons compared to the required 42, the IAF is actively seeking ways to bolster its combat air power to effectively secure its borders with both Pakistan and China.

Lockheed Martin's proposal could enable India to add 36 to 48 new aircraft to its fleet annually, significantly addressing this pressing need.

The F-21, specifically tailored for the IAF, offers a range of advanced technologies to enhance India's defence capabilities.

It boasts significant upgrades over the traditional F-16, including an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and a modernized cockpit with displays similar to those found in fifth-generation fighters.

Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is pitching the F-21 as part of a broader industrial cooperation plan. This includes not just the aircraft itself, but also technology transfer, local manufacturing, and integration into the global F-16 supply chain.

This approach aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative and its ambition to become self-reliant in defence production.

By offering a combination of advanced technology, rapid production capabilities, and industrial cooperation, Lockheed Martin is presenting a compelling case for the F-21 to the IAF.

The potential to quickly address the IAF's fighter squadron shortfall, while also boosting India's domestic aerospace industry, makes this proposal a significant development in India's pursuit of modernizing its air power.

 

[Tim Mugaseth]

Tatas with Lockheed will deliver what we need. The snail like HAL will cost us our country. Lets not forget the world is still buying F16s and needless to say they are formidable jets. High time we stop this nonsense of awaiting jet engines. Of course it's obvious the US will delay as much as possible to ensure to lead us to a desperation point. It's a marketing and sales strategy. It's like if you want Colgate toothpaste you HAVE to buy the brushes with it. Let's face it it's a great formidable jet and the winds of treachery are blowing towards India with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and in some cases Russia too are forming a nexus of evil. So it's high time india stops dreaming of Tejas before we are reduced to bhajiyas.

 

[Puneet]

Earlier I was keen on Rafale but now I would say, buy any 4.5gen aircraft which can be delivered ASAP to address the falling squadron numbers with an increasingly hostile China breathing down our neck. All the evaluated aircraft are better than the Chinese junk.

 

[FIDA INDIA]

How many Rafales have Reliance manufactured so far.

You want reliance to manufacture Rafael? Is that reasonable, just because of offset clause. Almost every defense manufacturer has tried to escape offsets in every country. Still Rafael has done better than others.

 

[Vicky]

And what makes you think that the drone crash was Adani's fault? Without knowing the cost, this is tantamount to blaming someone like Volvo and the car manufacturer for any car accidents where the seat-belt doesn't work.

They are wasting taxpayers money. That drone which was sure faulty cost more than 140 crores, and for what, when a whole lot of population of India is struggling under loans?

 

[Vicky]

Nobody is going to sell any advanced stealth jets to Pakistan. China fears that Pakistan will allow USA to have a good look at the Chinese jet’s technology, equipment and capabilities if the USA paid them.

Turkey is putting 5th gen kaan manufacturing facility in Pakistan if you guys know.

 

[Anant]

They are wasting taxpayers money. That drone which was sure faulty cost more than 140 crores, and for what, when a whole lot of population of India is struggling under loans?

Before you make that statement, remember that as the drone had not been delivered, the liability would still be on Adani Defence. So, taxpayers like you and me and not losing even a single extra paisa.

Now, had it crashed after delivery, then the investigation's result would determine who was at fault.

 

[D'souza]

India should start talks regarding 5th-gen fighters from its own side once the Trump government kicks in. Since Rafale assembly lines are full, by the time they open for India, we might have Tejas Mk2, so buying Rafale in huge numbers is not worth it. Any other contender in the MRFA is also not worth it. Since Pakistan is going to have 5th-gen Chinese fighters in the next 5 years, we need 5th-gen ASAP. I know we are developing AMCA, but we can't wait for 2032-2035. And we cannot say that once AMCA is developed, the USA will not sabotage the F414 engines.

Come what may US will never give an non NATO country the F-35, thier very industry will oppose it, I was involved in some tranfer of tech for aero engine just paying paying money for it doesn't work.

The F414 engines from GE for Tejas ,why doesn't India enforce GE to tranfer tech ,because even before starting of discussion,the first clause it no tranfer of tech.They have spend decades mastering the technology,even commercial engines the will not they will develop critical and non critical tech in India, just take parts and sub assemblies

 

[h k sharma]

Any private player except TATA, because TATA's were successfully collaborated with Britishers and richest indian during British rule. They can do it again. Even during maoist insurgency only TATA'S and missionaries were successfully operated in affected areas, they have hidden collaboration with them also.