SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the Bernstein 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on May 28, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet unveiled ambitious plans for the F-35 Lightning II, introducing a “fifth-generation plus” variant that promises cutting-edge upgrades and a potential shift toward optionally manned operations. Alongside these advancements, Taiclet highlighted the prospect of expanding Lockheed’s footprint in India, discussing the sale of both the F-35 and the F-21, a sophisticated derivative of the F-16, as part of a strategic approach to bolster India’s air capabilities.
The F-35, already the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, is poised for significant enhancements under Lockheed Martin’s “fifth-generation plus” initiative. Taiclet outlined plans to integrate technologies originally developed for the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which Lockheed lost to Boeing in March 2025. These upgrades include advanced radar- and infrared-absorbing stealth coatings, modifications to the aircraft’s outer mold line—particularly engine inlets and outlets—and improved electronic warfare systems, networking capabilities, and autonomy software.
A standout feature of this upgraded F-35 is its potential to become optionally manned. “We could make the F-35 pilot-optional over a relatively modest timeframe based on a lot of the development we’ve done,” Taiclet stated, leveraging advancements from Lockheed’s NGAD bid. This move aligns with broader trends in military aviation, where unmanned systems and manned-unmanned teaming are reshaping air combat. Taiclet estimated that some of these capabilities could be ready for integration within two to three years, provided funding and production schedules align. However, he cautioned that upgrades must be phased in gradually to avoid disrupting the F-35’s production flow, which has already delivered over 1,200 aircraft to the U.S. and 12 partner nations.
The “fifth-generation plus” F-35 aims to deliver 80% of sixth-generation fighter capabilities at half the cost of a new platform like the Boeing F-47, the NGAD winner. This cost-effective approach could extend the F-35’s relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, despite criticisms from figures like Elon Musk, who has called manned fighters obsolete in the age of drones.
Taiclet also turned attention to India, a key emerging market for Lockheed Martin, signaling a potential shift in U.S. defense export strategy. He suggested that India may not yet be ready for the F-35 due to its sophisticated technology and stringent U.S. export controls under the Arms Export Control Act, which require approvals from the State Department, Pentagon, and Congress. However, he proposed the F-21—a highly advanced variant of the F-16—as a “stepping stone” to the F-35 for India. “I think the F-16 also has strong legs, and more and increasing interest from several countries that aren’t quite ready for F-35,” Taiclet remarked. “There are some countries that could see F-21 or F-16, for India, for example, as a stepping stone to F-35.”
The F-21, tailored for India’s needs, features advanced avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and enhanced weapon systems, making it a formidable fourth-generation fighter. Lockheed Martin has pitched the F-21 as part of India’s Make in India initiative, proposing local production in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems.
The F-35, verbally offered to India by President Trump in February 2025 and reiterated by Vice President J.D. Vance in April, represents a longer-term aspiration. Taiclet’s comments suggest a phased approach, where India could first acquire F-21s to build operational and industrial familiarity with advanced U.S. systems before transitioning to the F-35. This strategy could address concerns about technology transfer and regional stability while positioning Lockheed to compete against Russia’s Su-57 and China’s J-35A in the export market.
Taiclet’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for Lockheed Martin, which is navigating supply chain challenges, rising program costs, and the need to maintain the F-35’s dominance amid competition from unmanned systems. The company is also exploring opportunities in the Middle East, with discussions underway to provide “fifth-generation” capabilities to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, potentially including the F-35. These talks, bolstered by Trump’s recent Middle East tour, reflect Lockheed’s focus on international expansion to offset domestic budget constraints.
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