New Delhi: Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18 to discuss boosting localisation in Indias defense sector. Lockheed Martin has proposed significant deals involving the F-21 fighter jet, Sikorsky naval utility helicopter, and the Javelin shoulder-fired anti-armor weapon, all to be manufactured in India.Frances interest with Rafale technologyDespite the interest in Rafale fighter jets for the Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer, has shown reluctance in sharing its technology. Historically, the Mirage-2000 was the only Indian Air Force (IAF) jet not produced in India.Stalled MRFA deal and IAFs modernisation The MRFA deal has seen no progress, and delays in the indigenous LCA Mk1A fighter jet project could impede the IAFs modernisation, with current squadron numbers at 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42. IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh emphasized that self-reliance should not compromise national defense, stating, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is what we are riding on…But this cannot be at the cost of the nations defense.Lockheed Martins commitment to Make in IndiaLockheed Martins CEO Jim Taiclet, following his meeting with PM Modi, expressed the companys commitment on social media: “As a trusted partner of over three decades, we recognize the promising talent and capabilities of the local industry and remain committed to strengthening the defense and industrial ties between our two nations.” Lockheed Martins F-21 initiative, under the slogan “For India, From India,” aims to establish a manufacturing plant in collaboration with Tata Group.F-21 Fighter Jet: Inside its advanced capabilitiesLockheed Martins F-21 fighter jet, designed with advanced avionics from the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, represents the most advanced variant of the F-16. Despite its similarity to the F-16 Block 70, the F-21 is distinguished by its airframe, weapons capability, engine matrix, and operational availability. Some experts view the F-21 as a stepping stone to the F-35, though there has been no official offer from the US or explicit interest from India.Competing aircrafts: Su-57 vs F-35India faces a choice between continuing its reliance on Russian aircraft, such as the Su-35 or MiG-35, and diversifying its fleet with American options like the F-35. The Su-35, although advanced, has seen significant losses in the Ukraine conflict, raising questions about its reliability. The MiG-35, an upgraded MiG-29, is not seen as a strong contender. The Su-57 stealth fighter is another option, offering advanced capabilities to counter Chinese and Pakistani stealth jets. Air Marshal Anil Chopra suggested that India might consider the F-35 and potentially the F-21 as interim solutions while waiting for the indigenous AMCA to become operational.
