Tata to make wings for Lockheed Martin's F-16 fighter jets in India
Lockheed’s announcement came just days ahead of top-level talks between the United States and India aimed at expanding defence ties.
Aerospace major Lockheed Martin plans to produce the wings of its F-16 fighter aircraft in India.
According to the American security and global aerospace giant, the production would be undertaken in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems (TASL).
This strategic initiative positions Tata Advanced Systems Limited's (TASL) to become the provider of wings for all future customers and strengthens their role in the F-16 global supply chain. TASL is Lockheed Martin's strategic industry partner in India.
Producing F-16 wings in India will strengthen Lockheed Martin's strategic partnership with Tata and support 'Make in India'. The planned F-16 wing production move to India is not contingent on the Government of India selecting the F-16 for the Indian Air Force.
"Building F-16 wings in India is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J [airlifter] and S-92 [helicopter]," said Vivek Lall, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
"This is a strategic business decision that reflects the value of our partnerships with India and the confidence we have in Tata to perform advanced defence manufacturing work and deliver world-class products," added Vivek.
Lockheed Martin's broader proposed F-16 partnership with India - to produce F-16s exclusively in India for the Indian Air Force and export customers - stands firm. Lockheed Martin 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.
Modi has been pushing for local manufacturing that will provide jobs and also end the military’s dependence on imports.
Lockheed’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 SE’s Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Russian aircraft are also in the fray.
(With inputs from agencies)