The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Chinese commerce ministry said that Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Missile and Defense Corp, which is a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp, are not allowed to engage in "import and export activities related to China".&nbsp;

The announcement comes amid simmering tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, which escalated after a recent balloon saga when the US military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ready-reckoner-on-india-pakistan-tensions-over-indus-waters-treaty-562799">Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoned</a>&nbsp;

However, China had claimed that it was civilian airspace used for research and was believed to have drifted due to wind. Beijing had even warned of "countermeasures against relevant US entities that undermine China's sovereignty and security".&nbsp;

After China's move, Lockheed said in a statement, "Foreign Military Sales are government-to-government transactions and we work closely with the U.S. government on any military sales to international customers."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Amazon Charges 50% commission from sellers?&nbsp;

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It added, Lockheed Martin closely adheres to United States government policy with regard to conducting business with foreign governments." Lockheed exports to more than 70 countries.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Raytheon declined to comment. News agencies have mentioned that Raytheon Technologies sells its Pratt &amp; Whitney aircraft engines, as well as landing gear and controls, to China's commercial aviation industry.&nbsp;

Notably, Neither company sells defence products to China.&nbsp;

Besides sanctions, both companies have been banned from further investing&nbsp;in China and also the senior management has been barred from entering the country. Beijing cancelled residence permits for any staff in China and imposed fines that are double the contracted amounts of their arms sales to Taiwan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan.

The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan. In a statement, the Chinese commerce ministry said that Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Missile and Defense Corp, which is a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp, are not allowed to engage in "import and export activities related to China". The announcement comes amid simmering tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, which escalated after a recent balloon saga when the US military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon. ALSO READ | Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoned However, China had claimed that it was civilian airspace used for research and was believed to have drifted due to wind. Beijing had even warned of "countermeasures against relevant US entities that undermine China's sovereignty and security". After China's move, Lockheed said in a statement, "Foreign Military Sales are government-to-government transactions and we work closely with the U.S. government on any military sales to international customers." WATCH | Amazon Charges 50% commission from sellers? × ALSO READ | In a first since war began, Israeli FM Eli Cohen visits Kyiv, meets Kuleba amid military aid pressure It added, Lockheed Martin closely adheres to United States government policy with regard to conducting business with foreign governments." Lockheed exports to more than 70 countries. On the other hand, Raytheon declined to comment. News agencies have mentioned that Raytheon Technologies sells its Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, as well as landing gear and controls, to China's commercial aviation industry. Notably, Neither company sells defence products to China. Besides sanctions, both companies have been banned from further investing in China and also the senior management has been barred from entering the country. Beijing cancelled residence permits for any staff in China and imposed fines that are double the contracted amounts of their arms sales to Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales

In the latest development, Canada is all set to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets. The deal was announced on Monday, as the Canadian government has confirmed to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from the US-based Lockheed Martin Corp. The first four planes will arrive in 2026, and the fleet would reach its maximum operational capacity between 2032 and 2034. This step is taken as Canada seeks to upgrade its ageing fleet.&nbsp;Defence Minister Anita Anand said at a news conference on Monday that the $14.2 billion ($19 billion Canadian) deal was the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 30 years.

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Today, I announced that Canada is acquiring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets. This project is estimated at $19 billion – making it the largest investment in our <a href="https://twitter.com/RCAF_ARC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCAF_ARC</a> in three decades. This project will ensure that our aviators have the tools they need to defend Canada. <a href="https://t.co/4qbaT3vC1B">pic.twitter.com/4qbaT3vC1B</a>
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnitaAnandMP/status/1612476995325284354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The F-35 fighter aircraft are operational with all three forces of the US, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Take a look at the features of this multirole fighter jet aircraft:

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions.&nbsp;

It can also conduct electronic warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Lockheed Martin is the primary F-35 contractor, with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as principal partners.

The aircraft comes with three main variants: The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, and the F-35C is a carrier-based (CV/CATOBAR) aircraft.&nbsp;

<h2>Developmental origins of the F-35 fighter aircraft</h2>

The F-35 is the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which was the merger of various combat aircraft programs from the 1980s-the 1990s. This is the second fifth-generation fighter aircraft to enter into the US services and also the first operational supersonic STOVL stealth fighter.

The F-35 was intended to replace ageing fighter inventories of the United States Air Force's F-16s and A-10s, the United States Navy's F/A-18s, the United States Marine Corps' AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s, and the United Kingdom's Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. There is an ageing fleet of tactical aircraft all over the world and F-35 was specifically designed to address this issue.

The F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the US Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the US Air Force F-35A in August 2016, and the US Navy F-35C in February 2019.&nbsp;

<h2>General characteristics of the F-35 fighter aircraft</h2>

Thrust:&nbsp;43,000 pounds 
Wingspan:&nbsp;35 feet (10.7 meters) 
Length:&nbsp;51 feet (15.7 meters) 
Height:&nbsp;14 feet (4.38 meters) 
Payload:&nbsp;18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms) 
Speed:&nbsp;Mach 1.6&nbsp;

<h2>Features of the F-35 fighter aircraft&nbsp;</h2>

1. VLO Stealth: With low observable technology stealth design, the F-35 has an unmatched ability to evade enemy detection and enter contested airspace. It is very less visible to radar, infrared, sonar and other detection methods which makes it a perfect weapon in the military camouflage arsenal.

2. Supersonic speed and extended range: It has a speed of 1.6 Mach which makes it a long-range supersonic fighter jet. It is equipped with the Pratt &amp; Whitney F135 engine which is claimed to be the most powerful engine in the world.&nbsp;

3. Sensor Fusion: F-35’s advanced sensor fusion creates a single integrated picture of the battlefield that greatly enhances awareness, survivability and lethality.

4. Weapons Capacity: The F-35 carries weapons internally in a stealth configuration, or externally in permissible environments with greater than 18,000 pounds of total ordinance.

5. Electronic Warfare System: Advanced EW capabilities to locate/track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks.

6. Network Enabled Ops: The F-35 serves as an information and communications gateway, sharing its operational picture with the ground, sea and air assets.

The F-35's ability to collect, analyse, and share data is a powerful force multiplier that improves all airborne, surface, and ground assets in the battlespace.

The aircraft is capable of transforming the entire battlespace with its multi-role potential of close air support, strategic attack, electronic warfare, air superiority, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

&nbsp;

In the latest development, Canada is all set to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets. The deal was announced on Monday, as the Canadian government has confirmed to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from the US-based Lockheed Martin Corp.

In the latest development, Canada is all set to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets. The deal was announced on Monday, as the Canadian government has confirmed to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from the US-based Lockheed Martin Corp. The first four planes will arrive in 2026, and the fleet would reach its maximum operational capacity between 2032 and 2034. This step is taken as Canada seeks to upgrade its ageing fleet. Defence Minister Anita Anand said at a news conference on Monday that the $14.2 billion ($19 billion Canadian) deal was the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 30 years. Today, I announced that Canada is acquiring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets. This project is estimated at $19 billion – making it the largest investment in our @RCAF_ARC in three decades. This project will ensure that our aviators have the tools they need to defend Canada. pic.twitter.com/4qbaT3vC1B — Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 9, 2023 × The F-35 fighter aircraft are operational with all three forces of the US, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Take a look at the features of this multirole fighter jet aircraft: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions. It can also conduct electronic warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Lockheed Martin is the primary F-35 contractor, with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as principal partners. The aircraft comes with three main variants: The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, and the F-35C is a carrier-based (CV/CATOBAR) aircraft. Developmental origins of the F-35 fighter aircraft The F-35 is the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which was the merger of various combat aircraft programs from the 1980s-the 1990s. This is the second fifth-generation fighter aircraft to enter into the US services and also the first operational supersonic STOVL stealth fighter. The F-35 was intended to replace ageing fighter inventories of the United States Air Force's F-16s and A-10s, the United States Navy's F/A-18s, the United States Marine Corps' AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s, and the United Kingdom's Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. There is an ageing fleet of tactical aircraft all over the world and F-35 was specifically designed to address this issue. The F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the US Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the US Air Force F-35A in August 2016, and the US Navy F-35C in February 2019. General characteristics of the F-35 fighter aircraft Thrust: 43,000 pounds Wingspan: 35 feet (10.7 meters) Length: 51 feet (15.7 meters) Height: 14 feet (4.38 meters) Payload: 18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms) Speed: Mach 1.6 Features of the F-35 fighter aircraft 1. VLO Stealth: With low observable technology stealth design, the F-35 has an unmatched ability to evade enemy detection and enter contested airspace. It is very less visible to radar, infrared, sonar and other detection methods which makes it a perfect weapon in the military camouflage arsenal. 2. Supersonic speed and extended range: It has a speed of 1.6 Mach which makes it a long-range supersonic fighter jet. It is equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine which is claimed to be the most powerful engine in the world. 3. Sensor Fusion: F-35’s advanced sensor fusion creates a single integrated picture of the battlefield that greatly enhances awareness, survivability and lethality. 4. Weapons Capacity: The F-35 carries weapons internally in a stealth configuration, or externally in permissible environments with greater than 18,000 pounds of total ordinance. 5. Electronic Warfare System: Advanced EW capabilities to locate/track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks. 6. Network Enabled Ops: The F-35 serves as an information and communications gateway, sharing its operational picture with the ground, sea and air assets. The F-35's ability to collect, analyse, and share data is a powerful force multiplier that improves all airborne, surface, and ground assets in the battlespace. The aircraft is capable of transforming the entire battlespace with its multi-role potential of close air support, strategic attack, electronic warfare, air superiority, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Canada inks F-35 deal with US: Everything you need to know about world's only 5th Generation multirole stealth

Himars artillery systems & JADO: How Ukraine can win grinding battle against Russia in Donbas

The US defence forces flew a&nbsp;Black Hawk helicopter without a pilot for the first time.&nbsp;The attack helicopter flew for 30 minutes over Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

“This historic flight marks the first time that a UH-60 has flown autonomously and builds on recent demonstrations at the US Army’s Project Convergence 2021,” Lockheed Martin said.

Watch: 'First uninhabited Black Hawk flight'

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On Feb. 5, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sikorsky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sikorsky</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DARPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DARPA</a> made history with the first uninhabited Black Hawk flight. 
 
Watch below to learn more. <a href="https://t.co/iyk87hqqxJ">pic.twitter.com/iyk87hqqxJ</a>
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The company said the helicopter demonstrated its ability to "adapt to a variety of mission environments avoiding imagined buildings while route re-planning in real-time."

The helicopter made a series of pedal turns, manoeuvres and straightaways before completing a perfect landing, the company said.

Lead test pilot Benjamin Williamson said the capability will allow "pilots to confidently switch back and forth between autonomy and piloted modes" and it would help to "automatically detect and prevent dangerous situations that lead to accidents, thereby saving lives."

The Black Hawk used &nbsp;ALIAS technology which the company said was a "leap ahead in autonomy for a range of systems". The technology reportedly increases safety and allows pilots to reimagine battlefield condictions.

“The potential for ALIAS to transform warfare is unlimited, whether we are talking about unmanned or manned platforms," Dr. Stuart Young, the DARPA ALIAS programme manager said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US defence forces flew a Black Hawk helicopter without a pilot for the first time. The attack helicopter flew for 30 minutes over Fort Campbell, Kentucky. “This historic flight marks the first time that a UH-60 has flown autonomously and builds on recent demonstrations at the US Army’s Project Convergence 2021,” Lockheed Martin said.

The US defence forces flew a Black Hawk helicopter without a pilot for the first time. The attack helicopter flew for 30 minutes over Fort Campbell, Kentucky. “This historic flight marks the first time that a UH-60 has flown autonomously and builds on recent demonstrations at the US Army’s Project Convergence 2021,” Lockheed Martin said. Watch: 'First uninhabited Black Hawk flight' On Feb. 5, @Sikorsky and @DARPA made history with the first uninhabited Black Hawk flight. Watch below to learn more. pic.twitter.com/iyk87hqqxJ — Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) February 8, 2022 × The company said the helicopter demonstrated its ability to "adapt to a variety of mission environments avoiding imagined buildings while route re-planning in real-time." The helicopter made a series of pedal turns, manoeuvres and straightaways before completing a perfect landing, the company said. Lead test pilot Benjamin Williamson said the capability will allow "pilots to confidently switch back and forth between autonomy and piloted modes" and it would help to "automatically detect and prevent dangerous situations that lead to accidents, thereby saving lives." The Black Hawk used ALIAS technology which the company said was a "leap ahead in autonomy for a range of systems". The technology reportedly increases safety and allows pilots to reimagine battlefield condictions. “The potential for ALIAS to transform warfare is unlimited, whether we are talking about unmanned or manned platforms," Dr. Stuart Young, the DARPA ALIAS programme manager said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: US Black Hawk chopper flies in pilotless mode

NASA has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Space of Littleton, Colorado, to build the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), a small, lightweight rocket to launch rock, sediment, and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet. The award brings NASA a step closer to the first robotic round-trip to bring samples safely to Earth through the Mars Sample Return program.

Lockheed Martin bags contract to bring back Mars samples to Earth

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the &nbsp;"small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet."

NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago.

Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth.

The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element.&nbsp;

The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA.

"The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington.

According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance.&nbsp;

Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth.&nbsp;

This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet.

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet." NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago. Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth. The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element. The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA. "The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington. According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance. Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth. This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA awards Lockheed Martin contract to bring back Mars samples to Earth

Australia is going to switch European helicopters with American Black Hawks as they are more ''reliable.''

It comes after a debacle over Canberra's cancellation of a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Paris.

According Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, ''The Taipans weren’t meeting their marks. Simple as that.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-us-australia-uk-sign-key-deal-in-nuclear-submarine-alliance-431078">Also read |&nbsp;AUKUS: US, Australia, UK sign key deal in nuclear submarine alliance</a>

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Peter Dutton said, ''It’s had nine instances where it’s been unsuitable to fly, and I’m just not going to put our people in that position.''

Currently, Australia owns 47 Taipan helicopters that were designed by Airbus. Morrison said that although they were supposed to last until 2037, but they have been plagued with groundings.

The country will switch them with 40 Lockheed Martin-designed helicopters worth $4.8 billion.

Previously, Canberra opted for nuclear-powered submarines to be built with US and British technology instead of a multi-billion-dollar French submarine programme.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Also read |&nbsp;Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

The new security alliance, dubbed AUKUS, is designed to give Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines for the first time but caused a major diplomatic rift after France said it was not informed in advance.

The agreement has angered China, which describes it as an "extremely irresponsible" threat to stability in the region.

France had accused Australia of stabbing it in the back and had briefly recalled its ambassadors from Australia and the United States in protest.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron later said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had deceived him about Canberra's intentions.

Morrison argued that he had previously explained to Macron that conventional submarines would no longer meet Australia's needs ahead of the AUKUS deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia is going to switch European helicopters with American Black Hawks as they are more ''reliable.'' It comes after a debacle over Canberra's cancellation of a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Paris.

Australia is going to switch European helicopters with American Black Hawks as they are more ''reliable.'' It comes after a debacle over Canberra's cancellation of a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Paris. According Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, ''The Taipans weren’t meeting their marks. Simple as that.'' Also read | AUKUS: US, Australia, UK sign key deal in nuclear submarine alliance Meanwhile, Defense Minister Peter Dutton said, ''It’s had nine instances where it’s been unsuitable to fly, and I’m just not going to put our people in that position.'' Currently, Australia owns 47 Taipan helicopters that were designed by Airbus. Morrison said that although they were supposed to last until 2037, but they have been plagued with groundings. The country will switch them with 40 Lockheed Martin-designed helicopters worth $4.8 billion. Previously, Canberra opted for nuclear-powered submarines to be built with US and British technology instead of a multi-billion-dollar French submarine programme. Also read | Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' The new security alliance, dubbed AUKUS, is designed to give Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines for the first time but caused a major diplomatic rift after France said it was not informed in advance. The agreement has angered China, which describes it as an "extremely irresponsible" threat to stability in the region. France had accused Australia of stabbing it in the back and had briefly recalled its ambassadors from Australia and the United States in protest. French President Emmanuel Macron later said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had deceived him about Canberra's intentions. Morrison argued that he had previously explained to Macron that conventional submarines would no longer meet Australia's needs ahead of the AUKUS deal. (With inputs from agencies)

After ditching submarine deal with Paris, Australia switches from European to US helicopters

The US State Department has approved the sale of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-finalizes-purchase-of-66-f-16-fighter-jets-in-biggest-arms-deal-with-us-321434">&nbsp;F-16 fighter</a> jets to the Philippines.

According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles. The deal is reportedly worth $2.9 billion, which includes a dozen F-16 aircraft

The Pentagon said the Philippines had requested for Lockheed Martin's 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and two F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

Watch:

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The timeline of the deal hasn't been specified yet. The Pentagon said it had informed Congress on the possible sale of two missile packages to the Philippines.

The Harpoon Air-Launched Block II Missiles is being made by Boeing.&nbsp;

The defence department said the sale will "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner" and also improve the "Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats".

There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the defence department said.

The Philippines had earlier suspended the move to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was set to expire in August.

(With input from Agencies)

The US State Department has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles.

The US State Department has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles. The deal is reportedly worth $2.9 billion, which includes a dozen F-16 aircraft The Pentagon said the Philippines had requested for Lockheed Martin's 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and two F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft. Watch: The timeline of the deal hasn't been specified yet. The Pentagon said it had informed Congress on the possible sale of two missile packages to the Philippines. The Harpoon Air-Launched Block II Missiles is being made by Boeing. The defence department said the sale will "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner" and also improve the "Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats". There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the defence department said. The Philippines had earlier suspended the move to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was set to expire in August. (With input from Agencies)

US to sell F-16 fighter jets, missiles to Philippines

China will impose sanctions on top US defence firms, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, for supplying weapons to Taiwan.

Your Story: China to impose curbs on US entities over arms sales

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a>

The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China.&nbsp;

The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales.

The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.

Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences.

The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.

Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.

The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan.

The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.&nbsp;

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China. The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales. The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences. The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan. The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.

Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing.

Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.

The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses.

Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.

The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and and weaponry.

Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.

Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms.

The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan.

It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing.

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing. Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses. Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and and weaponry. Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms. The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan. It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan finalises $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin

In a move likely to further inflame tensions between the US and China. Taiwan formally signed an agreement to buy 66 of the latest model F-16 jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

US-Taiwan Defence Deal: Taiwan buys jets from Lockheed Martin

China has decided to impose sanctions on US defence group Lockheed Martin after the US approved a potential $620 million upgrade package for missiles to Taiwan, straining the relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lays-out-plan-to-remove-huawei-as-chairman-john-browne-resigns-313239" hreflang="en">UK lays out plan to remove Huawei as chairman John Browne resigns</a>

Taiwan's latest purchase includes Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles to boost its defence capabilities as Beijing's stresses on its 'one China' policy.&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry's spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Tuesday that the country "firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan" and wants the US to accept that Taiwan is part of "one China".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-has-made-23-false-claims-every-day-in-the-last-14-months-report-313141">US President Trump has made 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months</a>

Zhao added that the US should "stop arms sales to Taiwan and cut military ties with it, so as not to do further harm to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

Relations between China and the US have been adversely affected as the two heavyweights continue to tussle on various issues such as origins of the coronavirus pandemic and China's policies in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang.

Beijing views Taiwan as one of its own, despite being ruled separately from the mainland since 1949. China has vowed to seize the territory by force if necessary.&nbsp;

The United States remains the top arms supplier to Taiwan despite cutting off its ties in 1979.&nbsp;

Zhao said China's move to hit Lockheed Martin with sanctions was "to safeguard its national interests".

In 2019, China had threatened sanctions on US firms linked to a sale of warplanes to Taiwan as well, calling the move a serious interference in its internal affairs.

China has decided to impose sanctions on US defence group Lockheed Martin after the US approved a potential $620 million upgrade package for missiles to Taiwan, straining the relations between the two countries.

China has decided to impose sanctions on US defence group Lockheed Martin after the US approved a potential $620 million upgrade package for missiles to Taiwan, straining the relations between the two countries. Also read: UK lays out plan to remove Huawei as chairman John Browne resigns Taiwan's latest purchase includes Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles to boost its defence capabilities as Beijing's stresses on its 'one China' policy. Chinese foreign ministry's spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Tuesday that the country "firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan" and wants the US to accept that Taiwan is part of "one China". Also read: US President Trump has made 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months Zhao added that the US should "stop arms sales to Taiwan and cut military ties with it, so as not to do further harm to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait". Relations between China and the US have been adversely affected as the two heavyweights continue to tussle on various issues such as origins of the coronavirus pandemic and China's policies in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing views Taiwan as one of its own, despite being ruled separately from the mainland since 1949. China has vowed to seize the territory by force if necessary. The United States remains the top arms supplier to Taiwan despite cutting off its ties in 1979. Zhao said China's move to hit Lockheed Martin with sanctions was "to safeguard its national interests". In 2019, China had threatened sanctions on US firms linked to a sale of warplanes to Taiwan as well, calling the move a serious interference in its internal affairs.

China to impose sanctions on US' Lockheed Martin over arms deal with Taiwan

The United States Space Force launched its first national security mission Thursday, sending an ultra-secure military communication satellite into orbit even as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzes much of the country.

The Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 4:18 pm&nbsp;aboard an Atlas V551 rocket.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tops-world-in-virus-cases-overtaking-china-and-italy-288788" hreflang="en">US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy</a>

AEHF-6, as the satellite is called, is the sixth and final in the Lockheed Martin AEHF constellation.

It will join the other five, which were launched between 2010 and 2019, on Friday around 0400 GMT after reaching geostationary orbit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-to-be-prosecuted-under-terrorism-law-if-they-intentionally-spread-coronavirus-us-justice-dept-288775" hreflang="en">People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept</a>

The satellite constellation provides "global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms," according to Lockheed Martin.

And it gives "senior leadership a survivable line of communications to military forces in all levels of conflict, including nuclear war," it said.

The system features encryption, a low probability of interception and detection, and it is jammer-resistant and able to penetrate the electro-magnetic interference caused by nuclear weapons, it added.

The White House announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December, with President Donald Trump calling space "the world's newest warfighting domain."

The United States Space Force launched its first national security mission Thursday, sending an ultra-secure military communication satellite into orbit even as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzes much of the country.

The United States Space Force launched its first national security mission Thursday, sending an ultra-secure military communication satellite into orbit even as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzes much of the country. The Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 4:18 pm aboard an Atlas V551 rocket. Also read: US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy AEHF-6, as the satellite is called, is the sixth and final in the Lockheed Martin AEHF constellation. It will join the other five, which were launched between 2010 and 2019, on Friday around 0400 GMT after reaching geostationary orbit. Also read: People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept The satellite constellation provides "global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms," according to Lockheed Martin. And it gives "senior leadership a survivable line of communications to military forces in all levels of conflict, including nuclear war," it said. The system features encryption, a low probability of interception and detection, and it is jammer-resistant and able to penetrate the electro-magnetic interference caused by nuclear weapons, it added. The White House announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December, with President Donald Trump calling space "the world's newest warfighting domain."

US Space Force launches first mission despite coronavirus

Shares of Lockheed Martin dropped 4.5% in Tuesday trading. A part of the drop is tied to general malaise in the markets, while another reason is said to be Canada's decision to postpone its purchase decision to replace its obsolete fleet of Boeing CF-18 fighter jets.

Shares of Lockheed Martin dropped 4.5% in Tuesday trading. A part of the drop is tied to general malaise in the markets, while another reason is said to be Canada's decision to postpone its purchase decision to replace its obsolete fleet of Boeing CF-18 fighter jets. Canada has been negotiating with a number of defence companies -- Lockheed, Boeing and, Airbus among them -- to buy a new kind of plane to replace its obsolete fleet of Boeing CF-18 fighter jets.However, it appears that both companies are in something of a losing position, as Reuters reports that Canada may delay its already long-delayed decision by another three months. Supposedly, Canada finally was going to accept preliminary proposals from the bidders (which by now have grown to include Saab, but shrunk to exclude Airbus) by the end of March. But according to Reuters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has now postponed the bidding by a further three months "to give bidders more time to address security questions." Lockheed shareholders didn't seem to like the news, and the stock is down today -- partly because of the coronavirus.

Lockheed Martin stock drops 4.5% on Tuesday

In this segment of WION Wallet, WION's Business Correspondent Sumit Chaturvedi is in conversation with Lockheed Martin India CEO William Blair.

WION Exclusive report with Lockheed Martin India CEO | WION Wallet

The Army has inked a multi-year, $347 million deal to develop a new class of long-range precision strike missiles as part of a broader US effort to develop hypersonic weapons, <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/f-21-will-give-india-significant-edge-with-greater-standoff-capability-lockheed-martin-211145">Lockheed Martin</a> announced in a press release on Friday.

"As the prime contractor for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) systems integration project, the Lockheed Martin-team will develop and integrate a land-based hypersonic strike prototype in partnership with the Army Hypersonic Project Office," the release said.

The release disclosed a separate $352 Army contract for Dynetics Technical Solutions (DTS) to produce the first commercially manufactured set of Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) systems.

DTS is one of a handful of US defense contractors that will work with Lockheed Martin on the project, the release said.

Both Russia and China are believed to be well ahead of the US in developing a new class of weapons that can fly up to 20 times the speed of sound, according to US officials.

In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared the development of the Russia’s Avangard hypersonic missile system to the launch of the first satellite in an address to Parliament.

Putin also said that jets carrying Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missiles had successfully demonstrated their unique characteristics during field testing.

The speed of hypersonic weapons makes them almost impossible to detect and destroy with existing missile defense technology.

The Army has inked a multi-year, $347 million deal to develop a new class of long-range precision strike missiles as part of a broader US effort to develop hypersonic weapons, Lockheed Martin announced in a press release on Friday.

The Army has inked a multi-year, $347 million deal to develop a new class of long-range precision strike missiles as part of a broader US effort to develop hypersonic weapons, Lockheed Martin announced in a press release on Friday. "As the prime contractor for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) systems integration project, the Lockheed Martin-team will develop and integrate a land-based hypersonic strike prototype in partnership with the Army Hypersonic Project Office," the release said. The release disclosed a separate $352 Army contract for Dynetics Technical Solutions (DTS) to produce the first commercially manufactured set of Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) systems. DTS is one of a handful of US defense contractors that will work with Lockheed Martin on the project, the release said. Both Russia and China are believed to be well ahead of the US in developing a new class of weapons that can fly up to 20 times the speed of sound, according to US officials. In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared the development of the Russia’s Avangard hypersonic missile system to the launch of the first satellite in an address to Parliament. Putin also said that jets carrying Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missiles had successfully demonstrated their unique characteristics during field testing. The speed of hypersonic weapons makes them almost impossible to detect and destroy with existing missile defense technology.

Lockheed Martin wins $347 million US army deal for hypersonic strike missile development

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that Israel's fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-has-discussed-iran-nuclear-standoff-with-macron-white-house-234187">Iran</a>," in his latest comments directed at his country's arch-foe.

While visiting an air force base where he inspected F-35 jets made by US firm Lockheed Martin, Netanyahu issued a video with one of the planes behind him.

"Recently, Iran has been threatening the destruction of Israel," he said at the Nevatim air base in southern Israel.

"It would do well to remember that these planes can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran and certainly Syria."

Netanyahu has issued a series of statements against Iran in recent weeks.

They follow the Islamic republic's decision to begin breaching some commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and attacks in the Gulf that Israel and the United States blame on Iran.

On Sunday, Netanyahu called an announcement by Iran that it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-uranium-enrichment-passes-45-exceeding-deal-cap-234015">exceed the uranium enrichment cap</a> set by the troubled accord a "very dangerous step".

He urged European countries to sanction Iran in response.

On Monday, Iran breached the enrichment cap as it seeks to press other parties into keeping their side of the bargain under the nuclear deal.

Netanyahu opposed the accord and urged US President Donald Trump to withdraw from it, which he eventually did.

Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu is now calling on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to further pressure Iran.

Israel has also carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets.

It has vowed to keep Iran, which has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war, from entrenching itself militarily there.

In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that Israel's fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran," in his latest comments directed at his country's arch-foe.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that Israel's fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran," in his latest comments directed at his country's arch-foe. While visiting an air force base where he inspected F-35 jets made by US firm Lockheed Martin, Netanyahu issued a video with one of the planes behind him. "Recently, Iran has been threatening the destruction of Israel," he said at the Nevatim air base in southern Israel. "It would do well to remember that these planes can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran and certainly Syria." Netanyahu has issued a series of statements against Iran in recent weeks. They follow the Islamic republic's decision to begin breaching some commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and attacks in the Gulf that Israel and the United States blame on Iran. On Sunday, Netanyahu called an announcement by Iran that it would exceed the uranium enrichment cap set by the troubled accord a "very dangerous step". He urged European countries to sanction Iran in response. On Monday, Iran breached the enrichment cap as it seeks to press other parties into keeping their side of the bargain under the nuclear deal. Netanyahu opposed the accord and urged US President Donald Trump to withdraw from it, which he eventually did. Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu is now calling on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to further pressure Iran. Israel has also carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran, which has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war, from entrenching itself militarily there. In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu warns Israel's jets 'can reach' Iran

The F-21 multi-role fighter jet will give India a "significant edge" with greater standoff capability, American defence giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockheed-martin-denies-paks-claims-to-sue-india-over-shooting-down-f-16-200687">Lockheed Martin</a> has said and claimed that producing it locally will also strengthen the country's integration into the world-wide network of advanced fighter aircraft technology.&nbsp;

Lockheed Martin during the Aero India show in Bengaluru in February unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally.

The Maryland-based company, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter jets to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem.

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India.&nbsp;

Vivek Lall, vice president for strategy and business development, Lockheed, said, "While it is inappropriate for us to compare specific capabilities, the F-21 will give India a significant edge with greater standoff capability, greater staying power with less fuel burn, and network data linking capabilities across all platforms. The tactics India employs with the F-21 will also be different - uniquely developed by the Indian Air Force,"&nbsp;he said.

"The F-21 will meet all of India's performance, capability and advanced technology requirements - the same requirements all other 4th generation competitors are offering. As we pursue cutting-edge technologies for the F-21, some capabilities may be evaluated as discrete, integrated functions," Lall said.

Refuting reports that the F-21 fighter jet is rebranding of the F-16, Lall said that while aircraft structures may look familiar, the differences become clear when looking at the unique capabilities of the F-21.

This includes an Advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which has detection ranges nearly double that of previous mechanically scanned array radars and the ability to track and attack more targets with higher precision, he said.

It has an Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System, developed uniquely for India, that provides enhanced survivability against ground and air threats; Long-Range Infrared Search and Track (IRST), enabling pilots to detect threats without detecting them and Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLAs) allowing the F-21 to carry 40 per cent more air-to-air weapons, he said.&nbsp;

"The F-21 proposal is unique in that the F-21 production line will be in India, and Indian industry will also be integrated into the global F-16 production and sustainment ecosystem. Approval by the US Government for such an important strategic move signals a significant development in US-India relations," Lall told PTI in an interview.

"The unmatched ecosystem we will partner with Indian industry and Lockheed Martin's top suppliers to develop will further strengthen India's integration into the worldwide network of advanced fighter aircraft technology and cutting-edge production and sustainment," he said.

The F-21 also demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to India: to deliver an advanced, scalable fighter to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivaled industrial partnership opportunities, he asserted.

Responding to a question on recent controversy surrounding F-16 aircraft, Lall said it is not for Lockheed to comment on any such matters, but the company is confident the F-21 is the best solution to meet the Indian Air Force's capability needs, provide 'Make in India' industrial opportunities and accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft.&nbsp;

The F-21 multi-role fighter jet will give India a "significant edge" with greater standoff capability, American defence giant Lockheed Martin has said and claimed that producing it locally will also strengthen the country's integration into the world-wide network of advanced fighter aircraft technology.

The F-21 multi-role fighter jet will give India a "significant edge" with greater standoff capability, American defence giant Lockheed Martin has said and claimed that producing it locally will also strengthen the country's integration into the world-wide network of advanced fighter aircraft technology. Lockheed Martin during the Aero India show in Bengaluru in February unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally. The Maryland-based company, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter jets to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem. Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India. Vivek Lall, vice president for strategy and business development, Lockheed, said, "While it is inappropriate for us to compare specific capabilities, the F-21 will give India a significant edge with greater standoff capability, greater staying power with less fuel burn, and network data linking capabilities across all platforms. The tactics India employs with the F-21 will also be different - uniquely developed by the Indian Air Force," he said. "The F-21 will meet all of India's performance, capability and advanced technology requirements - the same requirements all other 4th generation competitors are offering. As we pursue cutting-edge technologies for the F-21, some capabilities may be evaluated as discrete, integrated functions," Lall said. Refuting reports that the F-21 fighter jet is rebranding of the F-16, Lall said that while aircraft structures may look familiar, the differences become clear when looking at the unique capabilities of the F-21. This includes an Advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which has detection ranges nearly double that of previous mechanically scanned array radars and the ability to track and attack more targets with higher precision, he said. It has an Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System, developed uniquely for India, that provides enhanced survivability against ground and air threats; Long-Range Infrared Search and Track (IRST), enabling pilots to detect threats without detecting them and Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLAs) allowing the F-21 to carry 40 per cent more air-to-air weapons, he said. "The F-21 proposal is unique in that the F-21 production line will be in India, and Indian industry will also be integrated into the global F-16 production and sustainment ecosystem. Approval by the US Government for such an important strategic move signals a significant development in US-India relations," Lall told PTI in an interview. "The unmatched ecosystem we will partner with Indian industry and Lockheed Martin's top suppliers to develop will further strengthen India's integration into the worldwide network of advanced fighter aircraft technology and cutting-edge production and sustainment," he said. The F-21 also demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to India: to deliver an advanced, scalable fighter to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivaled industrial partnership opportunities, he asserted. Responding to a question on recent controversy surrounding F-16 aircraft, Lall said it is not for Lockheed to comment on any such matters, but the company is confident the F-21 is the best solution to meet the Indian Air Force's capability needs, provide 'Make in India' industrial opportunities and accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft.

F-21 will give India 'significant edge' with greater standoff capability: Lockheed Martin

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

In a quick reply to an Indian request submitted late last year, the State Department said it was informing the US Congress as legally required that it was giving the green light for India to buy the 24 helicopters worth a total of $2.6 billion.

Nicknamed the Romeo, the MH-60R helicopters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aero-india-lockheed-martin-tata-unveils-new-combat-jet-f-21-for-india-198490">manufactured by Lockheed Martin</a> are designed for hunting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-says-ins-vikramaditya-nuclear-submarines-deployed-in-northern-arabian-sea-amid-indo-pak-tensions-203846">submarines</a> as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defensive partner," the State Department said in a statement.

It called India "a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region."

India, which had estranged relations with the United States since the Cold War, has emerged as one of its leading defence partner with the interests of the world's two largest democracies largely overlapping amid their concerns over a rising China and Islamist extremism.

India has been alarmed by China's growing interest in the Indian Ocean as it becomes a global naval power.

In a strategy dubbed by Indian and US observers as the "string of pearls," China has made use of a growing number of naval bases in the Indian Ocean, most notably the Gwadar port it is developing in India's historic rival Pakistan.

Indian naval planners have responded with a doctrine to ensure freedom of movement throughout the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca.

The Romeos would replenish India's ageing fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean. In a quick reply to an Indian request submitted late last year, the State Department said it was informing the US Congress as legally required that it was giving the green light for India to buy the 24 helicopters worth a total of $2.6 billion. Nicknamed the Romeo, the MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin are designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defensive partner," the State Department said in a statement. It called India "a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region." India, which had estranged relations with the United States since the Cold War, has emerged as one of its leading defence partner with the interests of the world's two largest democracies largely overlapping amid their concerns over a rising China and Islamist extremism. India has been alarmed by China's growing interest in the Indian Ocean as it becomes a global naval power. In a strategy dubbed by Indian and US observers as the "string of pearls," China has made use of a growing number of naval bases in the Indian Ocean, most notably the Gwadar port it is developing in India's historic rival Pakistan. Indian naval planners have responded with a doctrine to ensure freedom of movement throughout the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca. The Romeos would replenish India's ageing fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.

US approves 24 anti-submarine helicopters sale to India worth $2.6 billion

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-has-come-for-game-changing-defence-pacts-with-india-lockheed-official-197826">Lockheed Martin</a> India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet.

"Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently.

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Lockheed Martin has made no such comments.
— Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMIndiaNews/status/1101574340011798529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for.

After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media &amp; journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.”

At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday.

They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir. The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet. "Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently. Lockheed Martin has made no such comments. — Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) March 1, 2019 × Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for. After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media & journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.” At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday. They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin denies Pak's claims to sue India over shooting down F-16

American Defence giant Lockheed Martin Wednesday unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally, as it eyed a multi-billion dollar military order.

Specifically configured for the IAF, the F-21 provides "unmatched" Make in India opportunities and strengthens India's path to an advanced airpower future, the firm said announcing the plan on&nbsp;opening day at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-pay-homage-surya-kiran-team-to-not-participate-in-aero-india-show-198450">Aero-India 2019</a> air show here.

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Introducing the F-21. The aircraft uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force. <a href="https://t.co/XtfKp4eqbB">https://t.co/XtfKp4eqbB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForIndiaFromIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForIndiaFromIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/rDwhHJA1UC">pic.twitter.com/rDwhHJA1UC</a>
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Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India, for India, it said in a statement.

The US Defence major, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem.

"The F-21 is different, inside and out," said Dr Vivek Lall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"The new [F-21] designation highlights our commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivalled industrial opportunities and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on advanced technologies," he said.

This "unprecedented" Make in India opportunity combines the strength of the world's largest defence contractor with India's premier industrial house to deliver "a historic win-win" for India and the United States, the statement said.

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 1,05,000 people worldwide.

It is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

American Defence giant Lockheed Martin Wednesday unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally, as it eyed a multi-billion dollar military order.

American Defence giant Lockheed Martin Wednesday unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally, as it eyed a multi-billion dollar military order. Specifically configured for the IAF, the F-21 provides "unmatched" Make in India opportunities and strengthens India's path to an advanced airpower future, the firm said announcing the plan on opening day at the Aero-India 2019 air show here. Introducing the F-21. The aircraft uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force. https://t.co/XtfKp4eqbB #ForIndiaFromIndia pic.twitter.com/rDwhHJA1UC — Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) February 20, 2019 × Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India, for India, it said in a statement. The US Defence major, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem. "The F-21 is different, inside and out," said Dr Vivek Lall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The new [F-21] designation highlights our commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivalled industrial opportunities and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on advanced technologies," he said. This "unprecedented" Make in India opportunity combines the strength of the world's largest defence contractor with India's premier industrial house to deliver "a historic win-win" for India and the United States, the statement said. Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 1,05,000 people worldwide. It is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Aero India: Lockheed Martin, Tata unveil F-21 fighter jet for India

NASA has inked a deal with Lockheed Martin to develop a supersonic "X-plane" that could break the sound barrier without a sonic boom, officials said today.

The $247.5 million contract allows for the design, building and testing of a plane that would make its first test flight in 2021, NASA said.

The experimental plane "will cruise at 16,764 meters at a speed of about 1,513 kph and create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, 75 Perceived Level decibel (PLdB), instead of a sonic boom," the US space agency said in a statement.

As early as mid-2022, NASA plans to fly the X-plane over certain, as yet to be determined, US cities to collect data and gather community responses.

The goal is to enable quieter supersonic flight and create "new commercial cargo and passenger markets in faster-than-sound air travel," NASA said.

Last month, US President Donald Trump signed a federal budget that fully funds the project, saying the new aircraft "would open a new market for US companies to build faster commercial airliners, creating jobs and cutting cross-country flight times in half."

But passenger seats are not part of the project Lockheed Martin is working on, at least not yet. 
First, the company must show it is possible to fly a quiet supersonic aircraft. Then, the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration would have to be changed in order to lift the current ban on civil supersonic flights over land.

"This X-plane is a critical step closer to that exciting future," Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator of NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, told a news conference.

Other companies in the process of building supersonic passenger jets for flight in the coming years include Virgin Galactic and Spike Aerospace.&nbsp

The $247.5 million contract allows for the design, building and testing of a plane that would make its first test flight in 2021

NASA has inked a deal with Lockheed Martin to develop a supersonic "X-plane" that could break the sound barrier without a sonic boom, officials said today. The $247.5 million contract allows for the design, building and testing of a plane that would make its first test flight in 2021, NASA said. The experimental plane "will cruise at 16,764 meters at a speed of about 1,513 kph and create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, 75 Perceived Level decibel (PLdB), instead of a sonic boom," the US space agency said in a statement. As early as mid-2022, NASA plans to fly the X-plane over certain, as yet to be determined, US cities to collect data and gather community responses. The goal is to enable quieter supersonic flight and create "new commercial cargo and passenger markets in faster-than-sound air travel," NASA said. Last month, US President Donald Trump signed a federal budget that fully funds the project, saying the new aircraft "would open a new market for US companies to build faster commercial airliners, creating jobs and cutting cross-country flight times in half." But passenger seats are not part of the project Lockheed Martin is working on, at least not yet. First, the company must show it is possible to fly a quiet supersonic aircraft. Then, the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration would have to be changed in order to lift the current ban on civil supersonic flights over land. "This X-plane is a critical step closer to that exciting future," Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator of NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, told a news conference. Other companies in the process of building supersonic passenger jets for flight in the coming years include Virgin Galactic and Spike Aerospace.

NASA signs deal with Lockheed Martin to develop supersonic 'X-plane'

A Reuters report said today that American aircraft manufacturer Boeing is in contention for $15 billion order to supply Indian Navy with new fighter jets.

In a surprise move, the Indian government had recently asked the Indian Air Force to open up the competition to twin-engine aircraft and to evaluate Boeing&#39;s F/A-18 Super Hornet, a defence ministry source told Reuters.

Earlier, Lockheed Martin Corp&#39;s F-16 and Saab AB&#39;s Gripen were in the race to supply single-engine jets to the Indian Air Force.

Both companies had offered to build the planes in India in collaboration with local companies as part of PM Modi&#39;s &quot;Make in India&quot; campaign.

The defence ministry plans to within weeks issue a request for information (RFI), the first stage of a procurement process, for a fighter to be built in India, Reuters report said.&nbsp;

The competition will be open to both single and twin-engine jets, an official told Reuters, but both Lockheed and Saab informed the newswire service that it had not been informed about the new requirements.

&quot;The IAF wants the RFI issued within weeks and get the process started,&quot; a source told Reuters, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. &quot;The problem is that government keeps shifting what it wants,&quot; the source added.

The defence ministry, however, declined to comment on the Air Force&#39;s aircraft modernisation programme, saying it was not in a position to do so.

Lockheed, which had offered to shift its F-16 production line in Fort Worth, Texas, to India, said it had not been told of any change to the Indian plan for single-engine fighters.

&quot;Our proposed F-16 partnership with India stands firm,&quot; the company said in an email. Last year it picked Tata Advanced Systems as its local partner and said it was in talks with dozens of firms to build up the supplier network.

&quot;The Government of India has not yet issued formal requirements but we are continuing to support government-to-government discussions and engage with Indian companies about F-16 industrial opportunities,&quot; Lockheed said.

Sweden&#39;s Saab told Reuters that it had seen reports in the Indian media but no new formal communication was put forward for the fighter jet programme.

&quot;We have seen the reports in the Indian media, but no new formal communication has been made to us regarding the fighter programme,&quot; said Rob Hewson, Saab Asia Pacific&#39;s head of communications.

&quot;The operational costs are going up with increased manpower, higher wages and general inflation. Ministry of Defence doesn&rsquo;t have the luxury to go for too many platforms despite the rapidly falling squadron strength of the Air Force,&quot; said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at global consultancy KPMG told Reuters.

In a surprise move, the Indian government had recently asked the Indian Air Force to open up the competition to twin-engine aircraft and to evaluate Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet

A Reuters report said today that American aircraft manufacturer Boeing is in contention for $15 billion order to supply Indian Navy with new fighter jets. In a surprise move, the Indian government had recently asked the Indian Air Force to open up the competition to twin-engine aircraft and to evaluate Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, a defence ministry source told Reuters. Earlier, Lockheed Martin Corp's F-16 and Saab AB's Gripen were in the race to supply single-engine jets to the Indian Air Force. Both companies had offered to build the planes in India in collaboration with local companies as part of PM Modi's "Make in India" campaign. The defence ministry plans to within weeks issue a request for information (RFI), the first stage of a procurement process, for a fighter to be built in India, Reuters report said. The competition will be open to both single and twin-engine jets, an official told Reuters, but both Lockheed and Saab informed the newswire service that it had not been informed about the new requirements. "The IAF wants the RFI issued within weeks and get the process started," a source told Reuters, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "The problem is that government keeps shifting what it wants," the source added. The defence ministry, however, declined to comment on the Air Force's aircraft modernisation programme, saying it was not in a position to do so. Lockheed, which had offered to shift its F-16 production line in Fort Worth, Texas, to India, said it had not been told of any change to the Indian plan for single-engine fighters. "Our proposed F-16 partnership with India stands firm," the company said in an email. Last year it picked Tata Advanced Systems as its local partner and said it was in talks with dozens of firms to build up the supplier network. "The Government of India has not yet issued formal requirements but we are continuing to support government-to-government discussions and engage with Indian companies about F-16 industrial opportunities," Lockheed said. Sweden's Saab told Reuters that it had seen reports in the Indian media but no new formal communication was put forward for the fighter jet programme. "We have seen the reports in the Indian media, but no new formal communication has been made to us regarding the fighter programme," said Rob Hewson, Saab Asia Pacific's head of communications. "The operational costs are going up with increased manpower, higher wages and general inflation. Ministry of Defence doesn’t have the luxury to go for too many platforms despite the rapidly falling squadron strength of the Air Force," said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at global consultancy KPMG told Reuters.

Boeing in contention to build new fighter jets for Indian Navy in $15 billion order: Report

American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems on Monday to produce F-16 fighter planes in India, pressing ahead with a plan to shift its Forth Worth plant in Texas to fulfil the PM Modi-led government&#39;s condition that foreign suppliers would have to make planes in India with a local partner.

India will also have the chance to export the F-16 that is flown by air forces around the world, the joint statement said.

&quot;This unprecedented F-16 production partnership between the world&rsquo;s largest defense contractor and India&rsquo;s premier industrial house provides India the opportunity to produce, operate and export F-16 Block 70 aircraft, the newest and most advanced version of the world&rsquo;s most successful, combat-proven multi-role fighter,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

Modi&#39;s Make-in-India drive runs the risk of conflicting with US President Donald Trump&#39;s America First policy under which he has been asking companies to set up base in US for creating jobs instead of setting up factories abroad.

In announcing their agreement at the Paris Airshow, Lockheed and Tata said moving the production base to India would still retain jobs in the United States.&nbsp;

&quot;F-16 production in India supports thousands of Lockheed Martin and F-16 supplier jobs in the US, creates new manufacturing jobs in India, and positions Indian industry at the center of the most extensive fighter aircraft supply ecosystem in the world,&quot; a joint statement by the firms said.

The agreement will enable Lockheed Martin to win billions of dollars worth of order from the Indian military, Reuters reported.

India&#39;s air force needs hundreds of aircraft to replace its Soviet-era fleet.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lockheed has offered the&nbsp;Block 70 model to India, the most modern of all the F-16s.

Sweden&#39;s Saab is also in competition for supplying planes to the Indian Air Force and has offered to make its Gripen fighter in India. It has not yet announced a local partner for the plane which it has pitched as a modern alternative to the F-16s, Reuters reports. 
 
Currently, 3,200 F-16s are being flown by 26 countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government&#39;s emphasis on local manufacturing will help build a domestic industrial base and cut outright imports.

The announcement comes days before Modi travels to Washington for a first meeting with Trump, scheduled for June 26.&nbsp;

India and the United States have built a close defence relationship in recent years. Washington has emerged as among the top three arms suppliers to India, along with Russia and Israel.

Tata is already building airframe components for the C-130 military transport aircraft.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lockheed Martin will shift its plant in Texas to fulfil the PM Modi-led government's condition that foreign suppliers would have to make planes in India with a local partner

American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems on Monday to produce F-16 fighter planes in India, pressing ahead with a plan to shift its Forth Worth plant in Texas to fulfil the PM Modi-led government's condition that foreign suppliers would have to make planes in India with a local partner. India will also have the chance to export the F-16 that is flown by air forces around the world, the joint statement said. "This unprecedented F-16 production partnership between the world’s largest defense contractor and India’s premier industrial house provides India the opportunity to produce, operate and export F-16 Block 70 aircraft, the newest and most advanced version of the world’s most successful, combat-proven multi-role fighter," the statement said. Modi's Make-in-India drive runs the risk of conflicting with US President Donald Trump's America First policy under which he has been asking companies to set up base in US for creating jobs instead of setting up factories abroad. In announcing their agreement at the Paris Airshow, Lockheed and Tata said moving the production base to India would still retain jobs in the United States. "F-16 production in India supports thousands of Lockheed Martin and F-16 supplier jobs in the US, creates new manufacturing jobs in India, and positions Indian industry at the center of the most extensive fighter aircraft supply ecosystem in the world," a joint statement by the firms said. The agreement will enable Lockheed Martin to win billions of dollars worth of order from the Indian military, Reuters reported. India's air force needs hundreds of aircraft to replace its Soviet-era fleet. Lockheed has offered the Block 70 model to India, the most modern of all the F-16s. Sweden's Saab is also in competition for supplying planes to the Indian Air Force and has offered to make its Gripen fighter in India. It has not yet announced a local partner for the plane which it has pitched as a modern alternative to the F-16s, Reuters reports. Currently, 3,200 F-16s are being flown by 26 countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's emphasis on local manufacturing will help build a domestic industrial base and cut outright imports. The announcement comes days before Modi travels to Washington for a first meeting with Trump, scheduled for June 26. India and the United States have built a close defence relationship in recent years. Washington has emerged as among the top three arms suppliers to India, along with Russia and Israel. Tata is already building airframe components for the C-130 military transport aircraft.

Lockheed signs pact with Tata to make F-16 planes in India

The US F-35 stealth fighter programme suffered a dual blow Monday as President-elect Donald Trump blasted &quot;out of control&quot; costs and bad weather delayed delivery to Israel by six hours.

With US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in Israel for the arrival of the first two of 50 of the warplanes bought from aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, Trump lashed out on Twitter against the programme. 
&nbsp;

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The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/808301935728230404">December 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Lockheed Martin&#39;s stock tumbled 4.3 percent shortly after the tweet, which prompted a response from the company.

With a current development and acquisition price tag of $379 billion for a total of 2,443 F-35 aircraft -- most of them destined for the US Air Force -- the plane is the most expensive in history.

Once servicing and maintenance costs are factored in over the aircraft&#39;s lifespan through 2070, overall programme costs are expected to soar to $1.5 trillion.

Speaking at the landing site in southern Israel, Jeff Babione, Lockheed&#39;s programme manager for the F-35s, told journalists the planes represented a good deal.

&quot;It&#39;s great value and I look forward to any questions that the president-elect may have,&quot; he said.

Six hours late 
 
In Israel, the first two F-35s landed at Nevatim air base at around 8.15 pm (1845 GMT), around six hours late after being delayed by bad weather in Italy, believed to be fog.

Some 4,000 people had been expected to watch the landings but the crowds thinned as the landing was delayed, leaving only around half the seats full by nightfall.

The two planes came to a halt in front of the spectators, one on each side of the stage erected for speeches of welcome.

&quot;The aircraft landing here will change the rules of the game,&quot; President Reuven Rivlin said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Israel&#39;s air force as the state&#39;s long arm.

I want to tell the people of Israel today that this long arm today became longer, more powerful,&quot; he said.

&quot;Anyone thinking of attacking us will be attacked,&quot; he added, in an apparent reference to arch-foe Iran. &quot;Anyone thinking of destroying us places his own existence in danger.&quot;

A Lockheed official said the delivery delay was caused by Italian air safety regulations, rather than any limitation of the planes, but this did not stop jibes.

&quot;Here&#39;s hoping we only go to war on sunny days...&quot; one Israeli joked on Twitter.

The Trump attack and the delay in the fighters&#39; arrival threatened to overshadow what Israel had labelled a key day in its military&#39;s future.&nbsp;

While other countries have ordered the planes, Israel -- which receives more than $3 billion a year in US defence aid -- says it will be the first outside the United States with an operational F-35 squadron.

Carter and Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman joined Netanyahu and Rivlin at the ceremony.

Carter said there was &quot;no better symbol of the US commitment to Israel&#39;s security than the F-35, the most capable aircraft in the skies&quot;.

&quot;Together we will dominate the skies,&quot; he said.

Israel is buying its first 33 F-35s at an average price of about $110 million (103.5 million euros) each.

It will receive the F-35A model for standard takeoffs and landings. The B and C models are for short takeoffs and aircraft carriers.

Israeli components will be integrated in the aircraft, which will be known as the F-35I.

Supersonic stealth&nbsp; 
 
Among its main features are advanced stealth capabilities to help pilots evade sophisticated missile systems.

The single-pilot jets can carry an array of weapons and travel at a supersonic speed of Mach 1.6, or around 1,200 miles per hour (1,900 kilometres per hour).

The pilot&#39;s ultra-high-tech helmet, at a cost of some $400,000 each, includes its own operating system, with data that appears on the visor and is also shared elsewhere.

Thermal and night vision as well as 360-degree views are possible with cameras mounted on the plane.

The new warplanes are seen as helping the country maintain its edge in the Middle East, particularly as Iran seeks further influence in the region.

Israel is especially concerned over whether the Islamic republic will seek to develop nuclear weapons by violating the international accord it has signed with world powers. 
 
(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20, he tweeted

The US F-35 stealth fighter programme suffered a dual blow Monday as President-elect Donald Trump blasted "out of control" costs and bad weather delayed delivery to Israel by six hours. With US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in Israel for the arrival of the first two of 50 of the warplanes bought from aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, Trump lashed out on Twitter against the programme. The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2016 × Lockheed Martin's stock tumbled 4.3 percent shortly after the tweet, which prompted a response from the company. With a current development and acquisition price tag of $379 billion for a total of 2,443 F-35 aircraft -- most of them destined for the US Air Force -- the plane is the most expensive in history. Once servicing and maintenance costs are factored in over the aircraft's lifespan through 2070, overall programme costs are expected to soar to $1.5 trillion. Speaking at the landing site in southern Israel, Jeff Babione, Lockheed's programme manager for the F-35s, told journalists the planes represented a good deal. "It's great value and I look forward to any questions that the president-elect may have," he said. Six hours late In Israel, the first two F-35s landed at Nevatim air base at around 8.15 pm (1845 GMT), around six hours late after being delayed by bad weather in Italy, believed to be fog. Some 4,000 people had been expected to watch the landings but the crowds thinned as the landing was delayed, leaving only around half the seats full by nightfall. The two planes came to a halt in front of the spectators, one on each side of the stage erected for speeches of welcome. "The aircraft landing here will change the rules of the game," President Reuven Rivlin said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Israel's air force as the state's long arm. I want to tell the people of Israel today that this long arm today became longer, more powerful," he said. "Anyone thinking of attacking us will be attacked," he added, in an apparent reference to arch-foe Iran. "Anyone thinking of destroying us places his own existence in danger." A Lockheed official said the delivery delay was caused by Italian air safety regulations, rather than any limitation of the planes, but this did not stop jibes. "Here's hoping we only go to war on sunny days..." one Israeli joked on Twitter. The Trump attack and the delay in the fighters' arrival threatened to overshadow what Israel had labelled a key day in its military's future. While other countries have ordered the planes, Israel -- which receives more than $3 billion a year in US defence aid -- says it will be the first outside the United States with an operational F-35 squadron. Carter and Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman joined Netanyahu and Rivlin at the ceremony. Carter said there was "no better symbol of the US commitment to Israel's security than the F-35, the most capable aircraft in the skies". "Together we will dominate the skies," he said. Israel is buying its first 33 F-35s at an average price of about $110 million (103.5 million euros) each. It will receive the F-35A model for standard takeoffs and landings. The B and C models are for short takeoffs and aircraft carriers. Israeli components will be integrated in the aircraft, which will be known as the F-35I. Supersonic stealth Among its main features are advanced stealth capabilities to help pilots evade sophisticated missile systems. The single-pilot jets can carry an array of weapons and travel at a supersonic speed of Mach 1.6, or around 1,200 miles per hour (1,900 kilometres per hour). The pilot's ultra-high-tech helmet, at a cost of some $400,000 each, includes its own operating system, with data that appears on the visor and is also shared elsewhere. Thermal and night vision as well as 360-degree views are possible with cameras mounted on the plane. The new warplanes are seen as helping the country maintain its edge in the Middle East, particularly as Iran seeks further influence in the region. Israel is especially concerned over whether the Islamic republic will seek to develop nuclear weapons by violating the international accord it has signed with world powers. (AFP)

US F-35 jets land in Israel as Trump claims costs of fighter programme 'out of control'

The who&#39;s who of America Inc, including e-commerce giant Amazon&#39;s Jeff Bezos, PepsiCo&#39;s Indra Nooyi, Boeing&#39;s Mark Allen and Lockheed Martin&#39;s Marillyn Hewson, attended the roundtable held at Central Green Room Gallery of Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. 
 
Bezos announced that his company will invest an additional $3 billion in India, Amazon&#39;s fastest growing region. This will boost Amazon&#39;s committed investment in India to over $5 billion. 
 
Foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a tweet that Modi invited the US business leaders &quot;to work more closely with India and in India&quot;. 
 
The Prime Minister also &quot;outlined strengths of Indian economy and its talented workforce,&quot; Swarup posted on Twitter. 
 
US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and several top Indian business leaders were also present at the meeting. 
 
Earlier in the day, Modi held a closed-door meeting with Obama during which they discussed significant issues of bilateral interests. 
 
Prior to the US, the Indian prime minister visited Afghanistan, Qatar and Switzerland on his five-nation tour aimed at expanding India&#39;s trade, energy and security cooperation. He will end his tour in Mexico.

Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced that the e-commerce giant will invest an additional $3 billion in India

The who's who of America Inc, including e-commerce giant Amazon's Jeff Bezos, PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi, Boeing's Mark Allen and Lockheed Martin's Marillyn Hewson, attended the roundtable held at Central Green Room Gallery of Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Bezos announced that his company will invest an additional $3 billion in India, Amazon's fastest growing region. This will boost Amazon's committed investment in India to over $5 billion. Foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a tweet that Modi invited the US business leaders "to work more closely with India and in India". The Prime Minister also "outlined strengths of Indian economy and its talented workforce," Swarup posted on Twitter. US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and several top Indian business leaders were also present at the meeting. Earlier in the day, Modi held a closed-door meeting with Obama during which they discussed significant issues of bilateral interests. Prior to the US, the Indian prime minister visited Afghanistan, Qatar and Switzerland on his five-nation tour aimed at expanding India's trade, energy and security cooperation. He will end his tour in Mexico.

Indian PM Modi meets top US CEOs in Washington

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