SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Lockheed Martin, the globe’s leading defence contractor, is intensifying its efforts to persuade the Indian Air Force (IAF) to procure its latest iteration of the F-16, known in India as the F-21 or F-16 Dash V. In a significant proposal, the company has committed to setting up a production line in India capable of manufacturing three to four F-16 jets each month if India opts for this fighter.
This production promise is particularly appealing given the IAF’s current shortfall in its fighter squadrons. Currently, the IAF operates with only 29-30 squadrons out of the targeted 42 needed to effectively secure its borders with both Pakistan and China. Lockheed Martin’s proposal could allow India to increase its fleet by 36 to 48 aircraft annually, significantly addressing the rapid depletion of its combat air power.
The F-21, specifically tailored for the IAF, aims to bring advanced technology to India’s defense capabilities. It features upgrades over the traditional F-16, including an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and a cockpit with modern displays akin to those in fifth-generation fighters. Furthermore, the F-21 is pitched as part of a broader industrial cooperation plan, promising not just aircraft but also technology transfer, local manufacturing, and integration into the global F-16 supply chain.
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