Tata to build Lockheed Martin's F-16 fighter jet wings in India
Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited
In a major boost to the Narendra Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative, American security and aerospace giant, Lockheed Martin, on Tuesday announced that the wings of F-16 fighter jets will be produced in India.
Maryland-based Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the production of the fighter jet wings.
TASL is Lockheed Martin's strategic industry partner in India and the new strategic initiative positions TASL to become the provider of wings for all future customers and strengthens their role in the F-16 global supply chain.
Lockheed Martin's announcement came just days ahead of top level talks between the United States and India aimed at expanding defence ties. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will meet with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Boeing has pitched its F/A-18 Super Hornet for the Indian contract as well as Sweden's SAAB with its Gripen fighter. France's Dassault Systemes SEs Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Russian aircraft are also in the fray.
Lockheed Martin officials insisted that the planned F-16 wing production to India is not contingent on India selecting the F-16 for the Indian Air Force. The company had earlier offered to move its entire F-16 manufacturing base to India but the government is yet to make a decision on it.
However, the company said its broader proposed F-16 partnership with India to produce F-16s exclusively in India for Indian Air Force and export customers stands firm.
The company recently submitted a comprehensive, fully compliant 600-plus page Request for Information (RFI) response to the Indian Air Force.
Lockheed Martin and TASL announced last year that the two companies intend to join hands to produce the F-16 Block 70 in India if the aircraft is selected by the Indian Air Force.
The F-16 Block 70 features advanced avionics, a proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modernised cockpit, advanced weapons, conformal fuel tanks, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, an advanced engine and an industry-leading extended structural service life of 12,000 hours.
Till date, 4,604 F-16s have been procured by 28 customers around the world. Approximately 3,000 operational F-16s are flying today with 25 leading air forces, including the US Air Force.
—With inputs from PTI