SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a conversation with idrw.org, a Lockheed Martin official confirmed that no formal offer has been made to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the sale of the F-35A fifth-generation fighter jet, despite ongoing speculation following the fighter’s appearance at Aero India 2023. Instead, the company is concentrating on promoting its F-16 variant, now rebranded as the F-21, which includes significant upgrades tailored for India.
The F-21 has been enhanced with a revised glass cockpit, advanced avionics, and features like the Triple Pylon Rail, allowing it to launch multiple AIM-120 air-to-air missiles—a feature not commonly seen on other fighter jets in its class. Lockheed Martin hopes the F-21 will be a strong contender in India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, which seeks to procure 114 aircraft for the IAF, potentially valued at up to $18-20 billion.
The speculation surrounding the F-35A for India gained traction after the United States Air Force (USAF) showcased two F-35A Lightning II fighters at Aero India 2023, held in Bengaluru. This marked the first time the U.S. displayed its fifth-generation jets at the premier Indian defence expo, fueling rumours that Washington might be positioning to offer the F-35A to New Delhi as part of an evolving defence partnership.
However, both Lockheed Martin and Indian Air Force officials have refuted these claims. An IAF source confirmed idrw.org that India is not considering the F-35A “as of now.” The presence of the F-35A at Aero India was primarily seen as a reflection of New Delhi’s growing strategic importance to Washington, rather than an imminent offer of the fighter jet.
While the F-21 is based on the F-16 platform, Lockheed Martin has emphasized that it is a distinct variant, tailored to meet India’s future combat needs. The company believes that acquiring the F-21 could further solidify India’s strategic defense partnership with the U.S.
Interestingly, Lockheed Martin had previously claimed that a potential purchase of the F-21 by India could lead to eventual participation in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. This claim was frequently highlighted until 2019 but since then it has been scrubbed from the official F-21 webpage.
Lockheed Martin’s F-21 is not the only jet vying for the coveted MMRCA contract. The competition is fierce, with several high-profile contenders from around the world:
Russia’s MiG-35 and Su-35: Russia’s MiG-35 Fulcrum and Su-35 Flanker continue to be contenders in the MMRCA race, though India’s recent pivot toward diversification of defense procurements may impact Russia’s prospects.
Boeing’s F-15EX: Boeing has been given the green light to formally offer its F-15EX fighter jet to India.
France’s Dassault Rafale: Having already been inducted by the IAF, the Rafale is a strong contender. France is keen to secure additional orders for the fighter, which has proven its worth in India’s operational environment.
European Eurofighter Typhoon: Known for its agility and multi-role capability, the Typhoon is backed by a consortium of European nations, providing a robust option for India.
Sweden’s Saab Gripen E: The Gripen E, known for its cost-effectiveness and advanced systems, is another strong competitor, with Sweden offering substantial transfer of technology (ToT) proposals.
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